French Minister Bruno Le Maire Emphasizes Collaboration with Gulf States at Vision Golfe
PARIS: In a powerful opening speech at the second edition of Vision Golfe in Paris, the French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Bruno Le Maire, highlighted the immense potential of collaboration between France and the Gulf states.
Le Maire outlined three key strategic areas for strengthening collaboration: economic diversification, investment, and curbing global warming.
He stated, “The Gulf countries are shifting towards diversification away from oil and gas revenues, moving towards high value-added sectors of the future. France stands ready to share expertise in infrastructure, industry, tourism, healthcare, and cutting-edge technologies.
“Together, we can drive growth, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.”
Vision Golfe 2024, a two-day event held at the Ministry of Economy in Paris, signifies the ongoing joint efforts of French and GCC stakeholders to foster economic and commercial partnerships, with over 1,000 participants in attendance.
The event serves as a platform to enhance cooperation across various sectors such as trade, energy, the environment, sports, and culture, bringing together key economic experts, government officials, startup representatives, and senior executives.
Building on the strong relationship between France and the GCC states, particularly France and Saudi Arabia, the event highlights significant political, economic, and cultural developments in recent years.
Jean Yves Le Drian, Chairman of the French Agency for AlUla Development, praised the transformation in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, emphasizing the country’s rapid political, social, and economic revolution.
During the panel discussion “Sharing Views on 2030,” Suliman Al-Mazroua, CEO of the Kingdom’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, emphasized the potential value of Saudi-French partnerships and partnerships with Gulf states more broadly.
Laurent Saint Martin, CEO of Business France, stressed the importance of building bridges in times of uncertainty.
Martin stated, “It is crucial to build partnerships and bridges. Our goal is to capitalize on synergies across all sectors. To our GCC partners, French companies here represent top-notch offerings in all sectors.
“For French CEOs present, seize the opportunity to engage with GCC partners as Gulf countries progress rapidly.”