Qatar plans $35B investment in US market

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the Doha-based sovereign wealth fund of the world's richest nation by per capita income manages over $300 billion, has opened its office in New York and earmarked $35-billion investment over next five years in the US business opportunity.

Diversifying from Asia and Europe, Qatar is looking to work with new and existing investment partners. The Qatar wealth fund is exploring several sectors in the US economy. The investment in core sectors of the US economy will create more jobs for Americans.

As it announced it April, Qatar sovereign wealth fund has commenced its New York office. The Qatar sovereign fund invested several global majors such as British bank Barclays Plc to Volkswagen AG, which is reeling under severe pressure over the rigging charges in emission tests results.

Mohammed Al Kuwari, Qatar's ambassador to Washington, D.C., said: "The Persian Gulf nation will target various sectors of the US economy, creating many American jobs." However, the sovereign fund will continue to stay committed on Europe, Asia and the Middle East markets.

Qatar Investment Authority has assets worth about $334 bn, according to industry tracker Sovereign Wealth Center. QIA Chief Executive Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani said: "It's the perfect location to help strengthen our existing relationships and promote new partnerships as we continue to expand geographically, diversify our assets and seek long-term growth."

The most active Qatar Investment Authority is one of the wealthy sovereign funds in the world. Holding assets right from real estate to blue chip companies including Total and Credit Suisse, Qatar Investment Agency is exploring possible investment opportunities in Americas. It has a holding in London's Canary Wharf financial district as well.

The global markets, several economies and forex fluctuations move in different cycles and rhythms. Qatar's sovereign fund maintains it presence in several markets as part of its balancing act mechanism.
Qatar Investment Authority's holdings in the US includes over 10 percent stake in New York-based luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. QIA has stakes in Paris Saint-Germain soccer team.

Considering the changing dynamics in the global markets, Qatar Investment Authority prefers to have presence across the world as it charted its business plans suitable for different markets.

Qatar Investment Authority last year announced that it planned for $10-bn investment venture with China's Citic Group as part of diversifying plan from retail and property assets in Europe. The sovereign fund also planned to invest $10bn into Asia in next five years. Qatar Investment Authority has also decided to expand its offices in New Delhi and Beijing.