Qatar says it can easily defend its economy and currency against sanctions by other Arab states. <br/><br/>Qatari Finance Minister Ali Sherif al-Emadi told CNBC television in an interview broadcast today that the countries which had imposed sanctions on Qatar would also lose money because of the damage to business in the region.<br/><br/>Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and transport ties a week ago, accusing Doha of backing terrorism. However, Qatar denied the charges.<br/><br/>The sanctions have disrupted flows of imports and other materials into Qatar and caused many foreign banks to scale back their business with the country.