Qatar, France Discuss Investment and Industrial Partnerships
Qatar and France have discussed opportunities to increase bilateral investment and develop industrial and technological partnerships across several sectors.
The discussions took place at a meeting hosted by the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) with Nicolas Forissier, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, QBA Chairperson; Mansoor Al Khater, Qatar Financial Centre Chief Executive; and business representatives from both countries.
Nicolas Forissier said that the agreements reached during the French president’s visit provide a basis for further economic cooperation and increased investment between the two countries.
Forissier called for the agreements to be translated into projects and encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar and France to establish direct business partnerships. He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in technology, advanced industries, and innovation, noting that around $3.5 billion (EUR 3 billion) had been allocated to support start-ups in France.
Forissier also proposed strengthening links between the two countries’ business communities, including exploring the establishment of a joint business council.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani emphasized that Qatar and France should expand cooperation beyond traditional trade to include investment, production, and innovation. He noted that Qatar’s investment capacity and France’s industrial and technological expertise could support joint projects in both countries and international markets.
Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser bin Khalid Al-Thani, QBA board member called for greater localization of French technologies and industries in Qatar, technology transfer, and the establishment of joint production ventures. He noted that the cooperation should extend beyond agency agreements, imports, and distribution to include manufacturing, production, and industrial development involving Qatari companies.
Sheikh Nawaf also underscored Qatar’s infrastructure and investment environment as factors supporting the development of advanced industries and services for regional and international markets, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Saud Al Mana, QBA board member called for direct engagement between Qatari and French companies to identify investment opportunities and develop projects that support long-term business partnerships.
Xavier Robert, Chief Executive of Societe Generale in Qatar and President of CCI France Qatar, highlighted the role of French companies in Qatar’s economy and encouraged them to expand their local operations. He added that Qatar offers French companies opportunities to expand across the GCC, citing its location, infrastructure, investment environment, and incentives for foreign investors.
The discussions covered potential cooperation in energy, industry, water management, engineering services, technology, and finance. Other areas included energy efficiency, digital transformation, industrial automation, and sustainability.
Participants also discussed technology transfer, the localization of industrial capabilities and specialized services, and the participation of Qatari companies in supply chains and major projects.
Bilateral merchandise trade between Qatar and France reached approximately $1.93 billion (EUR 1.67 billion) in 2025, according to figures presented at the meeting. Around 665 French companies operate in Qatar across various sectors.
The QBA said that it would continue engaging with French economic institutions and companies to identify investment opportunities, develop joint projects, and strengthen business ties between the two countries.