20-09-2025
A Qatari business delegation, led by H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber (QC), and H.E. Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, Board Member of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), conducted a business visit to Bordeaux, in southwestern France, from 16 to 18 September 2025.
The visit, held at the invitation of H.E. Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the French Republic, and organised in cooperation with the French Qatari Economic Association (CADRAN), aimed to further strengthen bilateral ties between Qatar and France and promote economic cooperation with all French cities.
As part of the programme, the delegation toured several industrial sites and leading companies, including the headquarters of Thales Group and Olikrom, a French company specialised in smart colour-changing materials. They also visited prominent research centres in Bordeaux to explore opportunities for cooperation and investment.
The visit witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Qatar Chamber and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux-Gironde. The agreement, signed by QC Chairman H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani and Patrick Seguin, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux-Gironde, in the presence of Qatar’s Ambassador to France H.E. Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, aims to strengthen economic relations and open new horizons for collaboration between the two sides.
During the visit, a business roundtable was held to discuss cooperation opportunities between Qatari and French companies. The session also introduced the city of Bordeaux, its suburbs, and the Gironde region, highlighting their leading economic sectors. It also reviewed Qatar’s business environment, investment climate, and available opportunities in both countries, with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.
Speaking at the meeting, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim praised the close ties between Qatar and France, affirming that France is a trusted and strategic partner. He emphasized that their relationship goes beyond diplomacy, representing a dynamic partnership built on trust, shared vision, and proven success.
He underscored that the Qatar Chamber is committed to establishing partnerships with the French private sector based on trust, value creation, and sustainability.
“From real estate to sports, and hospitality to innovation, Qatari investments in France are significant and growing, while the interest from French companies in Qatar’s vibrant market is stronger than ever. Trade exchange between the two countries has reached substantial levels, exceeding €1.3 billion last year, making France an important trading partner for the State of Qatar,” he added.
Sheikh Khalifa also emphasised that Qatar has established a robust business environment aimed at attracting and empowering partners, inviting French business leaders to visit Qatar to experience firsthand the country’s development and investment opportunities.
For his part, Patrick Seguin, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux-Gironde, praised the strong ties between the two sides, noting that the meeting represents an important step towards enhancing cooperation between the business sectors of Qatar and France.
He also highlighted the investment climate and advantages in Bordeaux, as well as opportunities in key sectors including aviation, artificial intelligence, and technology.
H.E. Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to France, highlighted the complementary strengths of Qatar and Bordeaux. He noted that Bordeaux’s expertise in advanced technologies, environmentally friendly industries, and key sectors such as health, security, and tourism, combined with Qatar’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and ambitious economic diversification program, creates numerous promising opportunities for cooperation.
He added that the visit provides a valuable platform to explore these opportunities and marks the beginning of successful partnerships and business alliances between the two sides.
In turn, H.E. Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, QBA Board Member, praised the strong relations between Qatar and France and expressed the shared desire to further develop them. He noted the significant potential for growth within this partnership, particularly in light of France’s economic recovery plan, reduced inflation, and the shift towards an innovative and sustainable digital economy, where Qatari investments play an important role.
Sheikh Nawaf also emphasised Qatar’s remarkable progress across legislative, logistical, and infrastructure fronts, which positions the country as an attractive destination for French investors, offering substantial incentives and proximity to major regional markets. He highlighted Bordeaux’s unique investment advantages, noting its prominence in air navigation and aviation, renewable energy, technology, smart cities, textiles, food industries, and artificial intelligence.
He pointed out that the QBA, through a network of investors, major companies, and committed businessmen, seeks to strengthen the private sector’s role and establish genuine partnerships with French counterparts in both Doha and France.
He also affirmed the QBA’s readiness is ready to explore all available investment opportunities in Qatar and France.
The Qatari business delegation attended a gala dinner held at the Bordeaux-Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry, bringing together members of the delegation with economic officials from Bordeaux.
In his remarks at the dinner, H.E. Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to the French Republic, highlighted that the visit reflects a shared ambition to deepen economic relations between Qatar and France. He emphasised that the goal is to foster sustainable partnerships between companies and institutions, explore co-investment opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of expertise across a range of vital sectors.
