Vision Golfe 2023: The Conference Enhances Gulf-France Relations

Paris hosted the Vision Golfe 2023 conference, which highlighted the strong ties between France and the Gulf nations. The bond between the two regions was highlighted by French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire as he testified about the event. 

A conference was held to highlight potential commercial partnerships between France and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. 

A two-day event was held with over 700 participants, including 350 from the Gulf. The event aimed to promote collaboration in various fields such as commerce, sport, culture, energy, and the environment.

The essential contribution of Gulf countries in making the shift to green energy, greenhouse gas emissions cuts, and water conservation was emphasized by Minister Le Maire. 

In a significant development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been selected as the host country for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) scheduled to take place in November 2023. This decision is a testament to the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) unwavering dedication to tackling climate change issues.

Business France’s director-general, Laurent Saint-Martin, has emphasized the vast opportunities available for French companies in the Gulf countries across multiple sectors. 

In a recent statement, the speaker highlighted the vast opportunities for collaboration in various sectors including food products, agri-food industry machinery, aerospace, conveyance, energy efficiency, financial technology, healthcare, tourism, and more.

French companies are increasingly finding the GCC to be an attractive investment destination, thanks to the region’s sustainable growth policies. 

GCC investment in France has reached €16 billion ($17.3 billion) this year, spanning various sectors such as real estate, expensive products, and infrastructure. 

In 2022, French exports to the GCC reached a total of $16.5 billion, with the biggest markets being Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The Middle East and North Africa director at the French Foreign Ministry, Anne Gueguen, has highlighted the mutual dedication of France and GCC nations towards sustainability, as well as economic, political, and geopolitical concerns. In a bid to tackle global challenges, two regions have come together with a shared goal of cooperation and partnership.

The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia, Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, has emphasized the country’s industrial strategy, which aims to enhance resilience in the food security, medications, and military sectors. 

The user has shown interest in collaborating with France in various fields including medications, advanced production digitization, and research and development.

During the conference, the topic of potential partnerships beyond the GCC was discussed, with a focus on nations such as Iraq that could benefit from trade and security connections. French firms have established their presence in different industries in the Gulf region, such as agriculture, energy, tourism, and mining.

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France’s popularity among Gulf investors is reflected in the increasing number of partnerships between the two regions. 

The objective of the conference was to expand economic ties and draw in international capital to boost the French economy and generate jobs.