Bilateral Relations

Political Relations

(1)Diplomatic relations
Sep 1971 Recognition of the State of Qatar by Japan
May 1972　Diplomatic relations were established
Jan 1973 Embassy of Qatar in Japan was established
May 1974 Embassy of Japan in Qatar was established

(2)VIP Visits

From Japan to Qatar

From Qatar to Japan

Economic Relations

　　　It is needless to say that Qatar and Japan continue to enjoy a very strong economic partnership overall. Japan has been number one trading partner of Qatar for last few years.

1. Bilateral Trade :

1.1 Energy Sector
　　　Speaking in historical terms, the Qatar – Japan energy relation expands over a span of three decades. Japan is a long time buyer of Qatari crude oil, and mostly over 50% of Qatar’s crude oil is exported to Japan. In Year 2008, Qatar exported 837,000 b/d of crude oil to Japan which constitutes 54.1% of Qatar’s total oil exports. On the other hand, we should also not forget that Japan was the first customer of Qatari LNG, thus providing a solid base for marketing of Qatari LNG in the world. In Year 2008, Japan imported 8.2 mtpa of Qatari LNG.

1.2 Goods & Services
　　　Looking at trade between Qatar and Japan, latest statistics put Japan as the top trading partner of Qatar, both in terms of imports and exports. Japan total imports from Qatar stood at m$ 26,237 during year 2008, which constitute 46% of Qatar’s total exports. Japan’s imports from Qatar are mostly crude oil and LNG. As we mentioned earlier, as much as about 54% of Qatari crude oil and nearly 27% of Qatari LNG is exported to Japan.
　　　As far as Japanese exports to Qatar are concerned, the figure stood at m$ 2,010, which represents Japan’s share of (7%) of total Qatar Imports during year 2008. Vehicles, machineries and electronics constitute the major portion of Japanese exports to Qatari market.

2. Strategic Partnership

　　　In April 2006, on the occasion of International Energy Forum (IEF) held in Doha, Qatar’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy & Industry, H.E. Mr. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah and H.E. Mr. Toshihiro Nikai, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, held a meeting to further expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation and signed a Joint Statement to establish the “Japan – Qatar Joint Economic Committee”.
　　　Based on this Joint Statement, the “Japan – Qatar Joint Economic Committee” was officially launched in November 2006 during the visit of Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy & Industry H.E. Mr. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah to Japan. This joint Economic Committee has been held every year since 2006. The fourth committee took place in November 2009.
　　　Both sides also agreed to set up a working group on energy, as well as another working group on business environment and investment. The purpose of the working group on energy is to have a continued dialogue on energy related matters and to maintain and expand trade and investment in the field of oil and natural gas including LNG and GTL. Another working group aims at proposing and developing an action plan for the improvement of business environment in order to further increase trade, investments and business opportunities between the two countries.

3. Project Financing

　　　Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is playing a vital role in financing the energy related projects in the region. Realizing the importance of the region, JBIC opened its branch in Dubai in April 2006, which caters for the entire Middle East region. Recently, JBIC signed a business-partnership agreement with Qatar Petroleum (QP).  Under the agreement, the JBIC will contribute by financing and extending loans for Qatar’s energy related projects which will provide opportunities and broaden the scope for Japanese companies to cooperate more actively in big projects for the further development of Qatar.

4. Presence of Japanese Companies in Doha

　　　There are 32 Japanese companies (as of September 2009) having their offices in Qatar, and playing an effective role in the development of Qatar’s industrial infrastructure in general, particularly the energy sector, including LNG industry, both in terms of construction and financing, is commendable. 
Some of big projects have been operated by Japanese Companies as below.
Qatargas, RasGas expansion: Chiyoda
Pearl GTL: JGC, Chiyoda, Toyo
New Doha Air-Port:Taisei (Main terminal building), Takenaka(Emiry terminal building)
Ras Laffan-C IWPP:Mitsui
Mesaeide A IPP:Marubeni
Japanese companies will seek further business chances.

5. Shipping

　　　Besides, in transportation sector also, Japanese firms have been playing and will continue to play an important role in Qatari energy sector.  No LNG can reach to consumers without capable vessels and their safe operation.  Japanese shipping lines including NYK Lines, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Iino Shipping with their profound experience and expertise in the field of LNG transportation, has made it possible for those lines to serve as stakeholders and/or operators of Qatar’s first 10 vessels.  As Qatari LNG export grows, getting closer to its target of 77mn tons per annum, Japanese shipping lines will continue to be important players, seeking further share in this sector.

6. FTA Negotiations

　　　One more important development during 2006 was the initiation of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between Japan and GCC. Both sides agreed in May 2006 to launch the negotiations. The first round of the negotiation was held in September in Tokyo and the second round of negotiations took place in Riyad in January 2007. Both sides are determined to speed up the negotiations to conclude an agreement at the earliest possible time. Signing of FTA will open the new dimensions of cooperation between Japan and GCC including Qatar.

　　　These are some of the glimpses of the relations between Japan and the State of Qatar, which I hope will be furthermore developed in future under the dynamic leadership of both countries.

　　10.8% of total Japan's crude oil imports is from Qatar.
　　Qatar is the 4th place country for Japan which provides crude oil.

* 8.2(including Spot purchase)

　　11.4% of total Japan's LNG imports is from Qatar.
　　Qatar is the 4th place country for Japan which provides LNG.

　　Major portion of Japanese exports : vehicles, industrial materials, electric cables
　　Major portion of Japanese imports : crude oil, LNG, LPG

Number of Residents
　　　Number of Japanese Nationals residing in Qatar: about 1120 (as of December 2009)

Japan-Qatar Relations（Ministry of Foreign Affairs）
　　　http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/qatar/index.html