nce again, the no less than (72) hours at the lays the foundation of a prom- This World Cup, a first time in 14th of July time of departure. Moreover, ising future for the two coun- the Arab world, will The Ambassador's comes with a I am also delighted with the tries. I would like in the same undoubtedly be of great specific char- recent resumption of Capago’s context to thank the Qatari success. message acteristic services that welcome Qatari authorities for the confidence The bilateral relationship because of the nationals and residents of they have placed in the indus- between our two countries is Ohealth situation that forces us Qatar who wish to travel to trial French engineering which also based on an ongoing cul- to be cautious. However, it is France; on the other hand, and will accompany the devel- tural exchanges. The cross-cul- with great pleasure that I note as of July 12th, French opment projects of the Qatari tural year, which has unfortu- that the pandemic that has nationals, wishing to visit economy. Based on this, an nately been hit by the occur- shaken our lives for more than Qatar, can come to Doha pro- important name from the rence of the pandemic in 2020, a year now is French will continue this year with ebbing as a result industry was major events. I am thinking of of the effective selected this the exhibitions “ Paris measures that year to Moderne” and “ Dior” or even have been imple- engineer one the “ Night of the Poetry” that mented in both of the most will be encompassed in Qatar’s our countries, in complex gas cultural agenda next autumn. the hope that the As we are less than 500 days away installations, Once again, on behalf of all ongoing con- which at the the French residents of Qatar, tainment will be from the big sport event which is the same time, is I would like to extend my followed by a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, France is the most stra- thanks to His Highness the near victory over determined to be at the side of Qatar tegic for Qatar. Amir of the State as well as the the disease. As we are Qatari authorities for their I am also in organising the global event and less than 500 greatly appreciated hospitality pleased to ensuring its security. Furthermore, I days away notably at the height the health witness the from the big crisis. I wish a happy National opening of the would like to congratulate the Qatari sport event Day to the French citizens in borders between authorities on their preparations which is the Qatar and to all our Qatari our two coun- that have reached now a significantly FIFA World friends . Long live the tries, which Cup Qatar friendship between France and allows us to meet advanced stage. This World Cup, a 2022, France is Qatar. whether in first time in the Arab world, will determined to France or in the be at the side of Page 2 State of Qatar. undoubtedly be of great success. Qatar in organ- Indeed, starting ising the global Qatar-France relations go from June 9, we are event and strength to strength able to welcome ensuring its in France our Qatari friends vided that they abide by the security. Furthermore, I would Page 3 and residents of the State who conditions set by the Qatari like to congratulate the Qatari H E Franck Gellet have completed the full cycle authorities. authorities on their prepara- History of Bastille Day and the Ambassador of France to the State of Qatar of vaccination and who The historically based tions that have reached now a planned celebrations this year produce a negative PCR test of French- Qatari relationship significantly advanced stage .
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Khalid M Al-Shafi
ACTING MANAGING EDITOR SUPPLEMENT EDITOR DESIGN Mohammed Salim Mohamed Arsalan Altaf Mohamad Bwary Qatar-France relations going from strength to strength
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is received by French President H E Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on September 15, 2017. RIGHT: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the President of the French Republic, H E Emmanuel Macron, in Doha on December 07, 2017.
THE PENINSULA — DOHA Republic to the State of Qatar, historical level certainly French company) implemented atar and France relations H E Franck Gellet, said earlier exceeded in 2019.” a security system all over Doha The volume of trade exchange are strong and based on on the occasion of the France France has provided the Port, as the company previously Qmutual trust and National Day that: “Our bilateral Rafale aircraft — the best plane did for Hamad International between Qatar and France common understanding. Both trade has steadily exceeded of its generation — which will Airport. Cegelec on the other amounted to nearly $1.36bn in 2020 countries have a very strong €2bn per year since 2014. In support Qatar in defending its hand carried out the moderni- relationship and a great rela- 2018, it increased by 33 percent sovereignty. On the Information sation of Kahramaa’s commu- and France ranks as Qatar’s 14th tionship of trust. to €3.5bn, a historic high. This and Security Systems, Thales (a nication and data transmission largest trade partner. There are more than 5,000 facilities. Atos French citizens in Qatar who company has are giving their best in the signed a con- service of friendship between tract with Forces. On the cultural field, the celebrates French Gastronomy both countries. Ooredoo to Qatar-France 2020 Year of and its values, in more than 150 Around 120 French com- provide cyber- Culture highlighted the strong countries across the five panies, mainly major groups security relationship between Qatar and continents. that are leaders in their fields, services to France. The focus was more on In 2019 around 12 restau- are present in Qatar, in a wide clients in visual art, cinema, music, and rants and hotels in Qatar took range of sectors such as oil and Qatar. culinary art as well as scientific, part in this event from March gas, aeronautics, defence, Year 2019 academic and university 21 to 25 attracting many people. security, infrastructure, con- was milestone cooperation. It is a part of French culture. struction, engineering, urban in the field of Last year was an excep- The aim of organising such development, transport, envi- military coop- tional opportunity for both event by the embassy is to make ronment, information tech- eration. It wit- countries to celebrate the people discover French cuisine. nology, hospitality and mass nessed the sig- strength, depth and dynamism About 1,300 restaurants partici- retailing. nature of the of the relationship of friendship pated in the first edition in 2015. The volume of trade SoFA (Status of and partnership that unite the In this 5th edition of Goût de exchange between Qatar and Forces two countries through culture France / Good France, over 5,000 France amounted to nearly Agreement) and art which are the common restaurants and more than 150 $1.36bn in 2020 and France during the visit language amongst communities French Embassies, offered the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin ranks as Qatar’s 14th largest of the French and societies of the world. finest meals, from highest gas- Abdulrahman Al Thani and French Foreign Minister H E Jean-Yves Le Drian attend a trade partner. minister for Every year, on March 21, tronomy (haute-cuisine) to high- Ambassador of the French joint news conference in Doha, on July 15, 2017. the Armed Goût de France / Good France quality Bistro concepts. France remains the most attractive country in Europe for foreign investors
he 2021 EY Attrac- tiveness Survey for France held its top position in 2020, France, published on June 7 by EY, receiving 985 investment projects confirms France’s across the country. For the second year position as running, it was ahead of the United TEuropean leader for incoming foreign investment in 2020. Kingdom and Germany. France held its No. 1 position in 2020, receiving 985 investment projects across the country. For the second year support measures deployed by for: running, it was ahead of the France to address the economic ŭƔ&ÆÝã¿¿ã²ÌÆƔÌ«Ɣ²ÆèÝãÙ²¿Ɣ United Kingdom and Germany. consequences of the COVID-19 projects, well ahead of compet- This achievement demon- crisis. An exceptional emer- itors, with 341 manufacturing strates the robust fundamentals gency plan was implemented and industrial projects as of the French economy, to support companies and pre- against 153 in Turkey and 112 in strengthened by the proactive serve the economy’s funda- the United Kingdom. reforms the Government has mentals, jobs and, therefore, ŭƔ&ÆÝã¿¿ã²ÌÆƔÌ«ƔLƵƔ¢ÆãÙ¢ÝůƔ implemented over the last four skills and expertise, with a clear with 115 new investments in People walk at the financial and business district of La Defense in Nanterre, France, on June 10, 2021. years. result: foreign investors remain 2020. A vast programme of long- confident in France, as shown ŭƔ/ÌƔÙ¢ã²ÌÆůƔò²ã°ƔČĉůĎĎđƔ term reforms has been imple- by regular reinvestment in their new jobs created in 2020, up competition. Cuts to corporate which are major employers efforts begun in 2017 to attract mented since 2017 to enhance French sites (60% of projects 21.6% since 2017. and capital taxation and, this across our territory. Attrac- new investors are bearing fruit, France’s attractiveness for busi- identified are extensions). Moreover, 58% of business year, production taxes, have tiveness cannot be decided; it despite the public health crisis. nesses. The Government has The swift implementation leaders believe France can created a new stable and must be developed, and these These efforts continue. We are taken strong steps to boost of the France Relance recovery become a global leader for attractive tax environment for excellent results are the fruit dedicating €35 billion to competitiveness: cutting cor- plan in summer 2020 and the ecology in the next five years. business. The deployment of of a clear and credible strategy industry under the France porate taxation, reforming the Government’s continued attrac- Lastly, thanks to the post- the France Relance recovery to transform our country, Relance recovery plan to labour market, making the tiveness policy have bolstered Brexit effect and the attrac- plan continues our action to which began in 2017 and has decarbonize, attract back, research tax credit permanent, France’s position in Europe. tiveness of the Paris financial foster and step up investment been stepped up under the innovate and modernize our and reforming the taxation of This survey confirms the centre, projects in the finance in France. Along with the Pres- France Relance recovery plan. production chains. persons through the creation of excellent perception of the sector rose by 23% in 2020. This ident of the Republic, we have It is clear that once you try "These massive invest- the flat tax on income and the French business environment momentum makes Paris a made France Europe’s most France, you stay: investors now ments will create unprece- real estate wealth tax. and the Government’s eco- leading European financial attractive country. We intend find the stability they need here dented impetus for competi- In addition, the Government nomic policy among interna- centre. to hold this position in future.” to develop their projects.” tiveness and attractiveness has worked to simplify proce- tional business leaders: 44% of Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Franck Riester, Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher, across France. We also need to dures for companies and foreign investors think France the Economy, Finance and the Delegate for Foreign Trade and Minister Delegate for Industry, continue simplifying the envi- investors, particularly through Relance is more effective than Recovery, said: Economic Attractiveness, said: said: “France is once again at ronment for businesses that the 2019 business transfor- the recovery plans adopted by “This excellent result illus- “In a context that is exceptional the top of the leader board create jobs. That is the aim of mation and growth (PACTE) Act. other European countries, while trates the vibrancy and in all respects, France added a when it comes to attractiveness the Acceleration and Simplifi- These structural, long-term 56% of investors questioned robustness of our economy. second star to its crest in 2020 for industrial projects. The cation of Public Action (ASAP) reforms made France Europe’s planned to bring back activities Since 2017, we have liberated in the European championship number of industrial projects Act and other support most attractive country in 2019. to France. the French economy, thanks to of attractiveness. These figures announced in France in 2020 measures we are putting in France’s continued lead- The detailed responses the PACTE Act, and taken confirm the robustness of our is more than those in Germany place.” ership this year demonstrates show that France stands out in strong fiscal steps to put France economic fabric, much appre- and the United Kingdom put SOURCE: Embassy of the effectiveness of the massive many categories. It ranks first back on track in international ciated by foreign companies together. That shows that the France What’s planned for France’s Bastille Day celebrations this year?
July 14th is a public holiday in France, commemorating the storming of the Bastille that was The coronavirus pandemic hampered the symbolic start of the French the Bastille Day celebrations last year, Revolution. Here’s what’s planned for the fête nationale but this year the French will be cele- this year. brating la fête nationale in style. Military parade The Bastille Day military parade along the Champs- taken place since the World will include 4,300 marching Élysées has been a staple of the War II — and was replaced by soldiers, 71 planes, 25 heli- fête nationale since 1880, and a smaller ceremony at Place de copters, 221 land vehicles and it will be making a return this la Concorde celebrating 200 horses of the Republican year. healthcare workers and others Guard. President Emmanuel The parade was cancelled engaged in the fight against Macron will be present for the in 2020 — the first year it hadn’t Covid. This time, the spectacle parade, which is set to begin at 10am. The general public will be allowed to follow proceedings from the Champs-Elysées, while 25,000 people will be able to watch from the seated stands, according to AFP. Spectators will be required The French military shows its colours in the annual Bastille Day parade, on July 14, 2004, on the to show a health pass – with Champs Elysees in Paris. proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or proof they have recovered from Covid – and Champs-Elysées. took place with a virtual Champ-de-Mars. “Place du will also have to wear a mask. The same location was also audience only. Trocadéro is the best place to Numbers will be limited, but set to host DJ sets from the Dop- For the first time this year, witness the pyrotechnics,” the it is not possible to register for pelgänger brothers and Bob the Fip radio station will also local tourism office advises. a standing place in advance, so Sinclair in the evening, but be organising a “before show” Similar displays will illu- you may need to arrive early to these have been cancelled due on the Champs de Mars – a minate the sky in towns all be sure of a place. to the spread of Covid in the 45-minute DJ set which will across France, but beware – As part of the security Paris region. begin at 7:30pm. certain local councils will measures vehicles will be require attendees to show a denied access to a large area Champs-de-Mars Fireworks health pass, with an up-to-date around the Champs-Elysées. concert Of course, no July 14th negative Covid test or vacci- A number of metro stations For the ninth consecutive would be complete without the nation certificate, so be sure to will also be closed to the public year, celebrations will continue traditional fireworks display. look up the local restrictions during the day. These are: with a classical music concert Last year, crowds were banned before heading out. Tuileries, Concorde, Champs- on the Champ-de-Mars at the from gathering to watch the One of the most cherished Elysées Clémenceau, Franklin foot of the Eiffel Tower. spectacle, but this year, locals Bastille Day traditions is the D.Roosevelt, Georges V, and The concert will feature the and visitors are invited to bals de pompiers, or parties in Charles de Gaulle Etoile. Orchestre national de France, follow along from Paris’s fire stations. the Chœur and the Maîtrise de parks. These are not explicitly Air show Radio France, and will be Several towns including banned this year, but in the Some of the best views of broadcast live from 9pm on Lille have decided to cancel the context of the health situation, the airshow, which will paint France Inter and France 2. fireworks, amid fears over the many areas have decided not the sky the colours of the There is no need to register spread of the delta variant of to stage them. French flag at 10.30am, are to – anybody is free to turn up at Covid. On Sunday, local author- Cities including Paris, be had from the Grande Arche the Champs-de-Mars and ities in Paris confirmed the Nantes and Strasbourg have de la Défense. The rooftop of follow the concert, but you are show would be going ahead, but cancelled for the second year the Grande Arche will be open invited to arrive 45 minutes warned that spectators will in a row, but other areas may Fireworks explode near the Eiffel tower to celebrate Bastille Day, to the public and offers stunning early to allow time for security have to wear a mask while still be holding scaled down in Paris, on July 14, 2001. views over the checks. Last year, the concert gathering on the social events. History of Bastille Day
Commemorating the (L'Hotel national des Invali- success of the constitutional storming of the Bastille on des, the National Residence monarchy. 14th July 1789, Bastille Day of the Invalids) and headed takes place on the same date towards the old royal for- 1880, 14th July becomes each year. tress of Bastille. It was seized Bastille Day The main event is a grand following bloody gunfire, Thereafter, 14th July cel- military parade along the and the prisoners released. ebrations were abandoned Champs-Elysees, attended The King quickly surren- until, under the Third Repub- by the President of the dered: he reinstated Necker lic, the 14th July was declared Republic and other political and acknowledged new as a national holiday by the leaders. It is accompanied Parisian leaders: Mayor law of 6th July 1880. In order by fireworks and publics Bailly and le commandant to affirm the recovery of dances in towns throughout de la garde nationale (Com- France following the 1870 the whole of France. mander of the National defeat, emphasis is placed Guard), La Fayette. on the patriotic and military 1789, Storming of the nature of the celebration, Bastille 1790, la Fete de la Fed- which begins on the night With les Etats Gener- eration (Celebration of the of the 13th with the retraite aux (the Estates General), Federation) aux ilambeaux (a re-enact- summoned in spring 1789, On 14th July 1790, the ment of the storming of the becoming l'Assemblee demolition of the fortress of Bastille, which sees people nationale constituante (The Bastille was completed and carrying torch flames). The National Constituent Assem- 260,000 Parisians, along following day, church bells bly), and Paris experiencing with the King, the Queen signal the military parade. unrest, the direct cause of consort and delegates from Dances and fireworks con- this initial uprising of the all administrative depart- clude the day. people of Paris was the dis- ments, celebrated the first 14th July has officially missal of Necker, a popular anniversary of the storm- been the French Bastille Day Minister, by Louis XVI. On ing of the Bastille on the since 1880. For the French, the morning of 14th July, Champ de Mars. Known as it symbolises the end of the people of Paris took the Fete de la Federation, it absolute monarchy and the weapons from les Invalides celebrated the short- lived beginning of the Republic.
France's national colours trail over the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees avenue during the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris, on July 14, 2007