Shell’s Pearl GTL project at Ras Laffan is making great strides towards meeting its target of producing 140,000 barrels a day by 2012. And the official opening of the Dolphin pipeline from Qatar to the UAE, with a connection to Oman to open later in 2008, is another major achievement.

But some of the most interesting developments are occurring outside the state. Qatar Petroleum International has been active over the past 18 months, negotiating deals with Italy, France, Mauritania and Tunisia. A partnership with Russia’s Gazprom, the world’s biggest natural gas producer, is on the horizon.

By Doha’s admission, it must now enter a period of consolidation where these nego-tiations need to be developed. The more value Qatar can extract from other markets, the further it can afford to preserve its own resources.

Although the gas-rich state faces pressure to boost production and supply new markets, it is using its newfound popularity to further its own investment ambitions - a strategy that should pay dividends well into the future.

Index of all stories

• Energy: Majors line up for fresh acreage

• Qatar Petroleum International: Time to build on overseas links

• Qatar Petroleum: Timeline of major developments and agreements

• Creating a knowledge economy in Qatar

• Interview: Andrew Brown, managing director of the Pearl GTL project, on the challenges of developing a gas giant.

• GTL conversion: The Pearl Project

• Dolphin Pipeline: An historic moment for Doha

• Petrochemicals: Diversification plans to hit delays

• Qatar: Increasing competition in the fertilisers market

• Power: Rapid expansion stretches resources in Qatar

• Comment: Doha too quiet on North field