Doha, October 22 (QNA) - The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) explored investment opportunities with a delegation of French businessmen from MEDEF International.
This came during a meeting between HE Chairman of the QBA Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, QBA Board Members, and the French delegation headed by Chairman of the France-Qatar Business Council at MEDEF Arnaud Pieton. The meeting was attended by HE Ambassador of the French Republic to the State of Qatar Arnaud Pescheux.
At the beginning of the meeting, HE Chairman of QBA Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani spoke about the longstanding historical relations between the State of Qatar and the French Republic. He recalled that the first international visit made by the QBA after its establishment in 2004 was to France.
Sheikh Faisal emphasized the keenness of Qatari businessmen to explore investment and cooperation opportunities with their French counterparts, both in Qatar and in France.
He further noted that last year, QBA signed an agreement with MEDEF International and several universities on a Memorandum of Understanding designed to facilitate interaction between startups and business leaders in both countries, supporting the establishment of high value-added projects.
For his part, Mr. Arnaud Piأ©ton, Chairman of the France-Qatar Business Council at MEDEF International affirmed that the organization seeks to intensify visits and exchanges between business leaders from both countries to explore cooperation and enhance commercial relations. He noted that this visit included a selection of French companies active in Qatar in sectors such as energy, environment, and others.
Pieton added that both sides agreed to work together on joint projects whether in Qatar, France or International Markets including, in key sectors such as energy, electricity, water, environment, and various service-related projects.
During the luncheon, QBA members spoke about the economic development Qatar is witnessing, emphasizing the Association's role in studying investment frameworks between both countries and in enhancing partnership and collaboration opportunities.
The French side highlighted the broad prospects for cooperation in several areas, including healthcare and medical technology, tourism, industry, smart city solutions, and other innovative technology fields.
For their side, QBA members reaffirmed that Qatar's economy is moving firmly towards diversification, in line with the National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, noting Doha's strong attractiveness to foreign investors — which has drawn hundreds of trade delegations to the country in recent years.
They stressed that joint cooperation between the Qatari and French private sectors serves the interests of both economies, as the exchange of expertise, enhanced coordination, and collaboration in new and innovative sectors will enable both sides to move forward with their strategic development plans.
The Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF) is the largest employer federation in France. Founded in 1998, it represents over 750,000 member companies, 90% of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). (QNA)