QBA hosts visiting French Railway Company CEO

DOHA: The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) has hosted Guillaume Pepy, the visiting CEO of the French Railway Company and Chairman of the Qatari French Committee at MEDEF international.
The event was attended by France’s Ambassador to Qatar Eric Chevallier and Abdallah Al Subaie, Chairman of Qatar Rail. The event was hosted in honour of Pepy’s visit who represents MEDEF as one of the largest trade organizations in France and QBA’s first international partner since its establishment 14 years ago.
On the sidelines of the event, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, QBA Chairman and Guillaume Pepy held a meeting in the presence of Eric Chevallier. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Qatar and France and promote investment, as well as work together to create new partnerships, especially with Qatar heading towards self-sufficiency.
Addressing the event, QBA member Ibrahim Al Jaidah pointed out that France is one of the largest economic partners of Qatar and Qatar has long been associated with France with close economic and trade ties, as both countries have a consistent economic policy in the fields of trade and investment cooperation.
“Qatar, despite the blockade, is one of the fast-growing economies in the region, thanks to the wise leadership of the Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani…..Qatari Businessmen will be happy to explore the possibility of partnership and cooperation whether these opportunities exist in France or in Qatar as long as It achieves common profit and interest to both countries,” he said.
In his speech, Pepy said that the purpose of his visit to Doha is to set up an action plan that will be implemented by MEDEF International with Qatar over the next months. He said MEDEF wants to build on the very strong political relationship between France and Qatar and take their business relationship to the next level. The new situation experienced by Qatar opens fields of opportunities for Qatari-French cooperation in key sectors such as agribusiness, logistics along with the usual strong sectors of cooperation such as energy, defense infrastructure and transportation.
He said the French private sector has a longstanding expertise and has been developing PPP schemes in France for decades, which makes this experience of great benefit for the Qatari partners. “The French companies are more determined than ever to engage with Qatari Counterparts and contribute to the economic diversification of Qatar and the expansion of its local private sector in line with its vision 2030”, Pepy said.
Abdullah Al Subaie made a presentation on the activities of Qatar Railways Company, including the completion of 77 percent of the metro project, award of the operating Service Provider contract and launch of metro retail leasing units.
Hussein Al Fardan, QBA First Deputy and Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, QBA Board member received the guests