Qatar Seeks $9b Bond Sale

Facing a financial blockade by its neighbors, Doha is reportedly looking to replenish state coffers by raising money through a bond sale. Qatar is targeting investors in Asia, the US, and Europe, sources told Bloomberg. According to people familiar with the matter, Qatari officials are talking with banks about the best time for a possible sale. They reportedly aim to match last year’s debt offering, when the sale of $9 billion in Eurobonds marked the biggest bond issue from the Middle East, sources said. They added that Doha is looking to tap international investors to make up for a shortfall in regional investment. “Investor interest in Qatar exposure from within the region will be subdued,” said Doug Bitcon, Dubai-based head of credit strategies at Rasmala Investment Bank. “However, there will be demand from international investors out of the US, Europe and Asia, particularly if an attractive new issue premium is on offer.”