Paris, June 8, 2022 - Qadran, the Franco-Qatari economic circle, and HEC Junior Conseil unveil their study on the evolution of economic relations between the two countries. After the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic and on the eve of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, this study underlines the closeness of these ties which extend beyond the economic aspects alone.
Find the full study here
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Qatar more than 50 years ago, the two countries have managed to intensify their exchanges and elevate them to a strategic partnership.
While economic ties were originally focused on the hydrocarbon sector, they are now illustrated by cooperation in a wide range of fields (sustainable cities, transport, environment, construction, tourism, services, etc.), in line with the diversification of the Qatari economy, which is the result of the Qatar National Vision 2030 development plan.
With 200 multi-sector French establishments, mostly from large groups, Qatar is the 4th largest recipient of French FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the Middle East. French companies are very involved in the country's major projects, notably in infrastructure, transport and energy, and have also been strongly mobilized to support Qatar in the preparation of the 2022 World Cup.
France is the second largest recipient of Qatari investment in Europe, with 42 Qatari companies, through direct holdings or firms, mostly managed by the sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority.
Beyond "flag" investments such as PSG, the analysis reveals a strong diversity of Qatari investments that extend in a balanced way across all sectors of the economy.
More specifically, Qatar has made significant investments in the luxury hotel sector, which have generated nearly 13,000 jobs in France. More generally, since 2014, the Qatari presence in France represents more than 71,900 jobs generated (direct and indirect).
In addition, trade between France and Qatar is steadily increasing: it has grown by 16% per year since 2000, driven by French exports of capital goods and Qatari exports of gas and hydrocarbon products.
The study also highlights the vitality of educational, cultural and sporting cooperation between the two countries. The HEC Paris campus in Doha is a good example of this dynamism. In the field of sports cooperation, beIN SPORTS is now a key partner for the broadcasting of sports events.
"The Qadran-HEC study documents in detail the flourishing economic relations between France and Qatar. The opportunities and benefits for both our economies are clearly identified. This long-lasting and varied partnership is based on the complementarity of our ecosystems and on mutual interests that we are keen to develop even further in the years to come," said H.E. Sheikh Ali Bin Jassim Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to France.
"Bilateral economic relations between France and Qatar are vibrant and diversified, as evidenced by their continuous growth, both in terms of trade and investment, in a wide range of sectors. We expect this momentum to continue and intensify in the coming years, especially with the impetus given by the new partnerships initiated between our companies in the context of the 2022 FIFA World Cup." said Omer Acar, President of Qadran.
About Qadran
Qadran, the Franco-Qatari economic circle, is an association under French law (law 1901) 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.
For more information about Qadran, its members or its activities, please visit www.qadran.com
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About HEC Junior Conseil
Created in 1971, HEC Junior Conseil is the Junior-Enterprise of HEC Paris entirely managed by 18 students of the Grande Ecole Program. With its international network and 50 years of experience, HEC Junior Conseil offers expert and proven solutions in the fields of marketing, strategy, finance, communication, business creation and CSR. It works for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to CAC40 giants, in all sectors of activity.
For more information on HEC Junior Conseil, please visit www.hec-junior-conseil.fr