Middle East business information

Qatar plans to issue a second sovereign bond as it seeks to raise more funds amid optimism about its fast-growing economy, Financial Times has reported. The bond issue could target as much as $5bn, depending on demand, with initial soundings of interest proving 'very positive' before a roadshow over the next week or so, bankers said. Qatar National Bank, Barclays, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan have been appointed by the country's ministry of finance to run the issue.