BERLIN/DOHA: September 09, 2018. Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has announced his country will add €10 billion to its current €25 billion investment in the German economy following a meeting in Berlin with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The plans include further investments in Germany’s auto industry, IT and banking sectors.

Last year Qatari-German bilateral trade totaled US$12.6 billion and Qatar ranks as Germany’s 11th largest trading partner, and third largest export destination.

Supporting the two-way relationship, Qatar Airways currently operates 14 passenger flights a week to Munich and Frankfurt respectively plus a daily freighter service to Frankfurt.

In a related move, the airline recently shipped 100 tonnes of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine from Mumbai to Brasilia on behalf of the Brazilian ministry of Health as part of a government programme to combat HIV.

Shipped by local agent Hermes Travel and Cargo Private Limited on a Qatar B777 freighter, it was one of the largest pharma charters performed by the carrier.

The government of Brazil has begun using the PrEP medicine in 35 sites across the country and aims to provide the drug to 54,000 people.

“Aviation and air cargo plays an important role in saving lives and we are humbled to support this innovative programme,” commented Qatar Airways chief officer Cargo Guillaume Halleux. “Since the launch of our QR Pharma product, we have been working closely with our customers to enhance the product for the benefit of the final consumer.”

The airline say its uplift of pharma-related air cargo increased 44 percent in the 2017/18 financial year compared to the previous 12 months.