In our view, the Qatari government's strong net asset position balances the concentration risk related to the economy's reliance on the oil and gas sector. We assess Qatar as being in a strong net external creditor position. We are therefore affirming our 'AA/A-1+' sovereign credit ratings on the State of Qatar. The stable outlook balances our view of Qatar's high economic wealth and strong fiscal position against its institutional shortcomings, limited monetary flexibility, and its banks' likely increasing dependence on external financing. DUBAI (Standard&Poor's) May 9, 2013--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it affirmed its long- and short-term foreign and local currency ratings on the State of Qatar at 'AA/A-1+'. The outlook is stable. The ratings
