Qatar Chamber held a meeting Tuesday with a trade delegation representing the Qatari-French Business Association (Cadran), headed by its president Alexander Zibaunt, to discuss ways of enhancing co-operation in various economic fields.
Qatar Chamber Board member Adel Abdul Rahman al-Mannai said that the relations between Qatar and France have reached new heights and their trade and economic relations have seen a quantum leap over the past few years, noting that the volume of trade between the two friendly countries grew 42% from around $ 1.2bn in 2017 to over $ 1.7bn in 2018.
Regarding mutual investments, al-Mannai said that there are several Qatari investments in France in many sectors such as energy, real estate, hotels, financial services, transport, communications and sports.
He also noted that there are many French companies investing in the Qatari market.
"Over 200 French companies are working in Qatar, whether with full ownership or with Qatari partners, on key projects in oil and gas, electricity and water, transport, urban development and other fields," he added.
Regarding the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he pointed out that France, which hosted the 1998 edition, has an opportunity to share its expertise and experience in organising this international tournament.
He stressed that the event opens the door for firms of both the countries to co-operate in innovative projects that depend on the best solutions and the most advanced technology.
"The next year will be the Qatar-France Year of Culture. This reflects that both the nations have successfully developed their cooperation at all aspects," he said.
In turn, Zibaunt said that the French delegation's visit to the State of Qatar aims to identify opportunities for co-operation with the Qatari side and to enhance communication between business sectors in both the countries.
He gave an overview of the Cadran Association, which was founded in 2015 in France and has five founding members: Qatar National Bank, Qatar Embassy in France, BEIN Sport, Qatar Airways and Qatar Hospitality.
He pointed out that the association includes 53 members from leading French companies and Qatari companies operating in France, stressing that it represents a platform for dialogue and a link between Qatari and French companies and businessmen.
He also noted that there are many French companies investing in the Qatari market.
"Over 200 French companies are working in Qatar, whether with full ownership or with Qatari partners, on key projects in oil and gas, electricity and water, transport, urban development and other fields," he added.
Regarding the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he pointed out that France, which hosted the 1998 edition, has an opportunity to share its expertise and experience in organising this international tournament.
He stressed that the event opens the door for firms of both the countries to co-operate in innovative projects that depend on the best solutions and the most advanced technology.
"The next year will be the Qatar-France Year of Culture. This reflects that both the nations have successfully developed their cooperation at all aspects," he said.
In turn, Zibaunt said that the French delegation's visit to the State of Qatar aims to identify opportunities for co-operation with the Qatari side and to enhance communication between business sectors in both the countries.
He gave an overview of the Cadran Association, which was founded in 2015 in France and has five founding members: Qatar National Bank, Qatar Embassy in France, BEIN Sport, Qatar Airways and Qatar Hospitality.
He pointed out that the association includes 53 members from leading French companies and Qatari companies operating in France, stressing that it represents a platform for dialogue and a link between Qatari and French companies and businessmen.