IPA Qatar, Business France joint report: Economic relations between Doha, Paris continue to flourish

A joint report by the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar (IPA Qatar) and Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, concluded that economic relations between Qatar and France continue to flourish, with the flow of bilateral trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) driven by specific additional economic targets across all industry sectors, in line with the goals of economic diversification of the State of Qatar.
The report issued by the two sides on bilateral trade relations and foreign direct investment between Qatar and France shed light on many aspects of cooperation, agreements, and partnerships that contributed to the consolidation of economic and political relations between Qatar and France over the past five decades of official diplomatic relations.
The volume of bilateral trade between Qatar and France has exceeded more than USD 1 billion annually since 2014 and touched nearly USD 1.7 billion in 2021. Also, the total direct French investments in Qatar, according to Bank of France's data have been increasing since 2008, reaching USD 1.16 billion in 2021. To date, more than 120 French companies and 80 franchise agencies are registered in Qatar, the report said.
Likewise, the report indicated that Qatar enjoys a strong presence in France through its investments in real estate, retail, transport, finance, sports, and leisure goods. Qatar also invests in the French private sector, whether in big companies or innovative small and medium-sized projects.
Referring to the positive bilateral developments in the areas of trade and foreign direct investment, HE CEO of IPA Qatar Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed Al-Thani said that they are pleased to cooperate with Business France in issuing this comprehensive report, which deals with bilateral trade relations and important foreign investments between Qatar and France. This cooperation complements the parties' continuous efforts to connect investors with a multitude of emerging opportunities in Qatar, which will undoubtedly elevate this multifaceted cooperation to new heights, HE added.
For his part, the CEO of Business France Laurent Saint-Martin said that this report highlights the strength of the economic relations between France and Qatar, which are characterised by continuous growth in trade and large foreign direct investments in both directions. The initiatives of Business France have enabled the Qatari partners to enhance trade relations and build lasting partnerships in key sectors, such as energy, transport, infrastructure, and technology, he pointed out.
During the Inaugural Strategic Dialogue held in March 2022 between Qatar and France, IPA Qatar and Business France signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance investment and cooperation between both countries.
The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) oversees investment promotion activities and acts as the country's umbrella organisation for FDI attraction. Through its close coordination with Qatari licensing platforms, it helps businesses advance their ambitions and achieve long-term success by delivering the support, advice, and expertise needed.
IPA Qatar's goal is to showcase Qatar as an exceptional investment destination, connecting international investors to business opportunities, while bringing progress to the country's economic development and diversification goals.
Business France is responsible for fostering export growth by French businesses. It promotes France's companies, business image and nationwide attractiveness as an investment location.
The agency also administers the VIE Global Training Scholarship Programme.
Business France has more than 5,001 employees in France and 58 other countries, in cooperation with a wide network of partners in the public and private sectors.