He pointed out that trade between France and the Gulf countries has increased significantly in recent years, with French exports to the Gulf countries reaching 15 billion euros last year.
Barro revealed French-Gulf’s preparations to organize the first edition of the “Gulf Vision” conference next month to strengthen economic cooperation between France and the Gulf region, explaining that France is one of the most popular destinations. attractive for Gulf investments.
According to Barrow, the “Gulf Vision” event aims to be the benchmark economic conference between the countries of the region and France, and it should be held in Paris from June 13 to 14, 2023, under the aegis of France. President Emmanuel Macron.
He added that the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, being the two largest markets in the region, provide opportunities for French companies in various fields such as energy, health, construction, technology, industries. food and tourism.
He said that the “Gulf Vision” conference will discuss cooperation and investment opportunities in various sectors such as space, energy and digital transformation, green industry, renewable energy and biotechnology, in addition of a group of other sectors.
“The main objective of the Gulf Vision conference is to strengthen business partnerships between France and players in the region and to promote new cooperation opportunities, with the aim of strengthening future synergies with French companies, facilitate trade and stimulate the creation of new cooperative relationships,” said Barrow.
Barrow pointed out that France currently offers a very attractive environment for investors from the Gulf and around the world, “because it is the first destination for foreign investment projects in Europe”.
He added that France has always been a destination of choice for investors from the Gulf countries, in particular sovereign wealth funds historically very active in real estate, hotels and infrastructure, as well as through minority stakes in French groups or major investments in French funds.
Excellent relations with the Emirates
On economic relations between France and the UAE, the French Commissioner for Trade and Investment said in his interview with Sky News Arabia that the UAE is France’s second largest trading partner in the Middle and Near East, with a trade volume of 5.6%. Billions of Euro’s.
He said that trade relations between the UAE and France have reached their peak in the areas of exports and investments, which is confirmed by recent strategic dialogues with Gulf Cooperation Council countries and official visits. high level.
Barrow said the UAE is the second largest investor from the Gulf in France and about 50 of its subsidiaries operate in France, in addition to the great cooperation in the field of energy and the fight against climate change.
He added that the Middle East, especially the United Arab Emirates, due to its strategic position as an energy supplier and its investments and efforts in the field of clean and sustainable energy, is an ideal arena. for French companies wishing to explore and develop renewable energy projects.
He pointed out that the French Ministry of Energy Transition will have a pavilion in the blue region of the COP28 conference, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates, in order to play a leading role in the negotiations and to present French initiatives. that contribute to global decarbonization goals.
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