Qatar Investments in Europe reach 65 billion USD

A recent study by al Sharq revealed that Qatar’s investments in the UK, France and Germany have amounted to 65 billion USD. The investments are concentrated largely in Western European countries.

According to the study, the UK is Qatar’s main destination for foreign investment attracting $33.8 billion. The most prominent investments are London’s Shard Tower and Barclays Bank helping to prevent the nationalisation of the bank. Qatar has a 20 per cent share in the company that owns Heathrow airport. Qatar owns the Harrods department store, has a 20 per cent stake in Camden market and 26 per cent share in the Sainsbury stores. Qatar has become the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas to Britain. Over the last year, Britain’s imports of Qatari’s liquefied natural gas constituted 85 per cent of Britain’s imports. The ratio has increased in the fourth quarter of 2011 to 95.8 per cent.

Qatar’s investments in France amount to 6.5 billion USD. Qatar has recently purchased Le Brantano! stores and La Tanneur leather industries. Qatar has shares in groups listed in the CAC 40 stock market such as Total Oil, a 3 per cent share in Vivendi and a 12.8 per cent share in Lagardère, a 5.5 per cent sgare ub the First Investor and Vince store, a 5 per cent share in Veolia environmental (5%) and a 1 per cent share in LFM.

Qatar’s investments in Germany amount to 15.7 billion USD, focused on the industrial sector and including leading German companies Volkswagen, Siemens and Hochtief constructions .