From left: The Chairman of Qatar Chamber, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassem Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, French President Francois Hollande and Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatari Businessmen Association during the meeting.
DOHA: French President Francois Hollande has announced the launch of a French-Qatari Fund for investment in small and medium French companies.
Hollande, who was here on a two-day visit, was addressing the Qatari-French Business Forum, in the presence of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani yesterday.
Later, in a press meet, he announced the size of the mixed fund as ¤300m.
Addressing the forum, hosted by Qatar Chamber and Qatari Businessmen Association, Hollande said that France had also partnered with Qatar in a joint venture to invest in different sectors in key economies across the world.
He said that the French company Vinci and Qatari Diar had jointly set up companies in Africa. QP and Total have joint ventures in the petroleum sector in Congo. France and Qatar are exploring the possibility of a joint venture in the fast growing technology sector in different parts of the world, he added.
Hollande said that French companies are keen to invest in three sectors — energy, urban development and services — in key economies.
The Premier said that economic relations between both countries had reached a level which was making huge direct investments in key sectors of the two countries.
Qatar has already made investments in key French companies in the media, real estate, retail and water treatment. They include big companies such as Lagardere, Veolia and Vinci.
The Qatari-French relationship is historical and deep-rooted. The two countries have made remarkable advancements in strategic partnership. They also share common concern on various issues… This relationship has pushed both countries to boost their partnership in trade and business, the Premier said.
He also said that French companies had contributed immensely to ongoing developments in Qatar.
The QDVC and Vinci joint venture won a QR7.5bn contract to develop Qatar’s rail network. The joint venture is also involved in the QR2bn Sheraton Park project and QR1.7bn underground parking project in Lussail.
During an interview with Qatar News Agency, Hollande stressed that Qatar had consolidated its position as an important actor at the regional and international levels.
He said that France would always be with Qatar to ensure its defence and security.
In the context of both countries’ defence cooperation, France will provide effective and modern equipment for the Qatari army, he said.
Hollande said that he was glad that key French companies were involved in Qatar’s prestigious projects. Total is a historic partner of Qatar, while Qatar Airways is key partner of Airbus, he added.
The Peninsula
