DOHA: France is prepared to assist Qatar in its major projects, especially in the transport sector, the French Minister of Transport, Thierry Mariani (pictured) who is on a two-day visit to Doha said here yesterday. “There is a good understanding between our two countries and the relations between the leaders of the two countries are excellent. All this is for the benefit economic exchange between the two countries,” Mariani said in remarks to the Peninsula. He said there are major companies like Total and Vinci in Qatar, but “we are trying to do better. If we don’t, we will be stepping back. If I am here it is because there are many major projects in Qatar where we think France can assist in terms of know-how, especially in the transport sector, such as the metro, train and tramway” Mariani said. He said the best way France could be satisfied with these economic relationships is to prepare for the future. With regards to the small and medium enterprises and what France can contribute to their development in Qatar, Mariani said the major enterprises that already based in Qatar are helping French SMEs by guiding them through a partnership system to set up relationships with their counterparts and eventually create business partnerships. “I am optimistic about our relationships and we should continue this trend,” said Marian. The minister was in Doha at the invitation of Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Noaimi, Chairman and Managing Director of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. The minister was accompanied by other members of the cabinet and a 15-member high level business delegation representing different fields of the French economic and commercial sectors of transport, construction and energy. The French side feels that this visit of the French Minister of Transport and his accompanying delegation will enhance economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries and will also strengthen the bilateral relationship on several areas of mutual interest. By Nasser Al Harthy

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