A sharp rise in Qatari oil and gas exports in 2000 has left the Gulf state with an enormous trade surplus estimated at seven billion dollars, a statement by Qatar National Bank (QNB) was quoted by the Gulf Daily as saying Sunday.
QNB, half owned by the state, said that Qatar's trade surplus rose by 26.6 percent to 7.2 billion dollars in 2000 from 18.1billion dollars in the previous year, said the statement.
Overall exports rose by 25.2 percent, while imports grew by 22 percent, added the statement.
QNB controls assets representing 48 percent of the banking system. It has twenty-five local branches and two international offices in London and Paris -- Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
