Diversification of economic relations between France and Qatar and smart city meetings with Qadran
Paris, November 17th, 2022 - Today France is the second largest recipient of Qatari investments in Europe and trade between France and Qatar reached 4.1 billion euros, including 3.6 billion French exports to Qatar in 2021.
For decades, France and Qatar have maintained economic relations built on solid and sustainable foundations with an increase in trade at an average rate of 16% per year for the past 20 years. This growth illustrates the diversification of bilateral economic relations and their expansion to new sectors: a dynamic that is part of the Qatar National Vision 2030 plan based on four pillars of development: economic, social, human and environmental.
Qadran, the Franco-Qatari Economic Circle, an association under the law of 1901 created in 2015, is part of a cooperation dynamic to promote friendship and dialogue between companies and investors from both countries, foster understanding of mutual economic interests and encourage synergies to contribute to the development of joint projects.
"At a time when Qatar wishes to further accelerate sustainable economic development, the development of smart cities and the fight against climate change, we are committed with Qadran to promote a better understanding of the respective environments and issues and ultimately develop economic synergies between the two countries France and Qatar.
For example, we organized a business delegation in Lyon last October with Qatari investors who met with French companies and start-ups presenting their solutions around smart cities, smart mobility and sustainable projects. We are always looking to establish new initiatives, combining positive environmental impact and economic innovation and of course to strengthen our long-standing relationship with France." His Excellency Sheikh Ali Bin Jassim Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to France and founding member of Qadran.
Over time, the two countries have forged important partnerships and pooled their expertise and know-how, creating not only an increase in exchanges but also an evolution in the sectors of French companies in Qatar with a more sustainable vision of tourism in the transport and hotel sectors for example and in particular with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar which has opened opportunities for many partnerships.
“As a longstanding partner of Dassault Aviation for more than 40 years, the Qatari Air Force has operated Mirage F1, Alpha Jet and Mirage 2000 aircraft. By renewing its confidence in France with the purchase of 36 Rafale in 2015, Qatar has become one of the leading export customers for this aircraft, reinforcing the key strategic relationship between the two countries.”
Richard Lavaud - Senior Executive Vice-President International Dassault Aviation
"GAUSSIN is experiencing strong international development thanks to its licensing business model which allows local partners to access electric and hydrogen technology for mobility in ports, airports and logistics centers. Since 2020 we have been established in Qatar through the GAME JV with Al Attiyah which assembles, distributes and maintains a large part of the GAUSSIN range. We are proud to see our APM 75T harbour tractors in operation at Q terminal in the port of Doha and we still have many development projects to come with Qatar ".
Christophe Gaussin - Gaussin
"For many years, the strong economic and cultural relations between Paris and Doha have allowed us to enhance our heritage. Inaugurated in 1862 under Napoleon III, the Grand Hotel is a jewel case of history. Our Qatari partners share our passion for the French art of living and are working to promote our flagship hotels.
Christophe Laure - General Manager InterContinental Paris le Grand - Regional Director Luxury & Lifestyle IHG Southern Europe
"TotalEnergies has been present in Qatar since 1936. This history has been enriched little by little over time. We have accompanied Qatar on the great adventure of liquefied natural gas and the development of the giant North Field gas field since its inception. This mutual trust has been further strengthened in 2022 by the selection of TotalEnergies as a partner in future expansion projects, enabling Qatar to maintain its position as a world leader in LNG.
This cooperation between TotalEnergies and Qatar also exists today in refining, research and especially in renewable energies. We have inaugurated an 800MW solar power plant in Al Kharsaa, one of the largest renewable energy projects in the Middle East, which will be operational by 2022. This inauguration is a symbol of this shared strategy and the will to unite our efforts to transform the energy world." Laurent Viver - Senior Vice President Middle East and North Africa - Exploration & Production, TotalEnergies
Source: Study conducted by HEC on Economic Relations between France and Qatar – June 2022
About Qadran:
Qadran, the Franco-Qatari economic circle, is an association under French law (1901 law) created in 2015 at the initiative of the Qatari business community in France. At the crossroads of a think tank and a business association, this "do tank" aims to strengthen the dialogue and synergies between the French and Qatari business communities. The unique composition of our circle, mixing different approaches, industries and experiences, makes it a unique place where meetings and reciprocal exchanges are central to Qadran's activities.
Follow all Qadran news on : Linkedin: @Qadran and Twitter & Instagram: @Qadran_
For more information about Qadran, its members or its activities: www.Qadran.fr
Press contact: qadran@outlook.com