Tribune News Network
Doha
To strengthen bilateral relations and develop economic ties with French cities, a high-level delegation from Qatar and France visited Toulouse, a city in the Occitanie region of southwestern France.
The delegation, led by His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatari Ambassador to France, included representatives from the Qatar Chamber, Qatari Businessmen Association, Qatari-French Economic Association (Cadran), and prominent Qatari business figures.
The visit focused on exploring new opportunities for cooperation and investment in Toulouse, a major economic hub known for its strength in aircraft manufacturing, electronics, information technology, and biotechnology. Notably, Toulouse boasts the third-largest employment area and the most attractive production center in France.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a twinning agreement between the Qatar Chamber and the Toulouse Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This agreement aims to solidify economic ties and open new avenues for collaboration between the two entities.
The delegation’s itinerary included meetings with key figures, including Patrick Piedrafitta, President of the Toulouse Local Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Jean-François Rezeau, President of the Occitanie Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During a panel discussion, investment opportunities in Qatar and France were explored. Highlighting the promising future of the partnership, Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani stated in his opening remarks, “This meeting represents the beginning of a promising journey. The opportunities we generate today will lead us to prosperity tomorrow.”
Representatives from the Qatari delegation further emphasized the strong relations between the two countries and the vast potential for mutual investment across various sectors.
They also highlighted the Qatar Chamber’s efforts in fostering closer ties between Qatari and French businesses, encouraging collaboration, and establishing commercial alliances and joint ventures.
Abdul Rahman Al-Ansari, a member of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Chamber, praised the strong relations between Qatar and France and highlighted multiple investment opportunities in various sectors in both countries. He noted that the Qatar Chamber is working diligently to bring Qatari and French business owners closer together, encouraging cooperation and the establishment of commercial alliances and joint projects.
The visit also included a field tour of Airbus headquarters, where the delegation was briefed on the company’s key facilities and advanced infrastructure.
The delegation also visited the Francazal region and AURA AERO, a company specializing in electric propulsion aircraft, as well as the Pierre Fabre Medical Center and the Oncopole Institute.
After extensive and fruitful meetings with representatives of the French private sector, the Qatari-French business delegation concluded its visit to Toulouse.
The visit represented a new step towards strengthening economic relations and expanding joint cooperation between Qatar and France.
The delegation concluded with a dinner that brought together members of the delegation and local economic officials.
At the conclusion of the visit, His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani emphasized the importance of strengthening economic relations between Qatar and France, noting that Qatar has become an attractive destination for multinational companies due to its advanced infrastructure and modern transportation networks.
He also stressed the strategic importance of the economic agreements signed during the state visit by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to France last February, leading a large official delegation.
