Doha, September 20 (QNA) - A Qatari economic delegation visited the city of Bordeaux in southwest France as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Qatar and France and to expand economic ties with various French regions.

The delegation was led by HE Chairman of the Qatar Chamber (QC) Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al-Thani, and HE Board Member of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al-Thani.

The visit was organized at the invitation of Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to France, and in cooperation with the Qatari-French Economic Circle (Cadran).

The visit included tours of key industrial sites and major companies, such as the headquarters of Thales Group and Olicrom, a French company specializing in smart color-changing materials, as well as visits to several research centers in Bordeaux and its surrounding areas.

During the trip, the Qatar Chamber and the Bordeaux Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a cooperation agreement to enhance economic relations and open new opportunities for collaboration.

The agreement was signed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani and Patrick Seguin, President of the Bordeaux Chamber, in the presence of Qatar’s Ambassador to France.

The Qatari delegation also participated in a business roundtable to discuss cooperation opportunities between Qatari and French companies, introduce Bordeaux, the Gironde region, and their leading economic sectors, and present Qatar’s business climate and the investment opportunities available in both countries.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani emphasized the close relationship between the two friendly countries, describing France as a trusted strategic partner for Qatar.

He noted that cooperation between the two countries goes beyond traditional diplomacy to reflect a partnership based on trust, shared vision, and achievements.

He highlighted the significant growth of Qatari investments in France in diverse sectors including real estate, sports, hospitality, and innovation, and pointed out the increasing interest of French companies in entering the Qatari market. 

He added that bilateral trade exceeded 1.3 billion Euros last year. He also praised Bordeaux as a global center for advanced industries such as aerospace, defense, high technology, and logistics, fields that align with Qatar’s priorities for building a diversified, knowledge-based, and sustainable economy.

Patrick Seguin highlighted the importance of this meeting as an important step toward strengthening business cooperation between Qatar and France.

HE the Ambassador said that the State of Qatar and the Bordeaux region share complementary strengths, with Bordeaux’s expertise in advanced technologies, environmentally friendly industries, and key sectors such as health, security, and tourism combining with Qatar’s strategic location, modern infrastructure, and ambitious economic diversification program to create many promising opportunities for collaboration.

He explained that this visit provides a valuable opportunity to explore these possibilities and begin successful commercial partnerships between the two sides.

HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al-Thani praised the strength of Qatar-France relations and the desire of both countries to further develop them.

He noted that the frequent official visits by leaders and private sector representatives from both countries demonstrate their commitment to advancing bilateral relations to a model level. 

He also highlighted Qatar’s major progress in legislation, logistics, and infrastructure, along with its significant investment incentives and geographic proximity to large regional markets.

He affirmed that the Qatari Businessmen Association is ready to explore all available investment opportunities in both Qatar and France.

The association aims, through a group of investors and major companies, to strengthen the role of the private sector and establish genuine partnerships with the French private sector in both countries.

This effort seeks to diversify joint investments in key economic sectors, expand economic, technical, and scientific cooperation, and facilitate the exchange of information between Qatar and France. (QNA)