“It is a great pleasure for me to speak before you at the heart of these two highly productive days of exchanges. Once again, “Vision Golfe” is a huge success, gathering economic and political leaders from both France and GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] countries. Together, during this third edition, we are paving the way to further strengthening our economic ties by focusing on two essential themes: Blueprints for 2030 and Innovating for sustainability. Our countries face common challenges. GCC countries, at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, are at the intersection of major trade routes.” Concluded the Ministry Eric Lombard today at the Vision Gulf 2025 in Paris. 

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Under the high patronage of Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, this first day of Vision Golfe marked a decisive turning point in strengthening economic and strategic ties between France and the Gulf countries.

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Inaugurated in the presence of Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, and Didier Boulogne, Deputy CEO of Business France in charge of Export, the day brought together leading figures to accelerate sustainable cooperation.

Highlights of the discussions:

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- Ahmad Al-Sayed (PhD), Minister of State and Chairman of the Qatar Free Zones Authority, laid the foundation for enhanced economic dialogue toward 2030.

- Pascal Cagni, Chairman of the Board of Business France and Ambassador for International Investment, emphasized France’s driving role in building forward-looking partnerships.

-  Jean-Yves Le Drian, President of the French Agency for the Development of AlUla (AFALULA) and Personal Envoy of the President for Lebanon and the Middle East, highlighted the need for long-term strategic dialogue.

- Abeer M. AlAkel, CEO of The Royal Commission for AlUla, embodied the Saudi vision for ambitious and sustainable regional development.

- Shaima Saleh AlHusseini, CEO of the Saudi Sports for All Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للرياضة للجميع), delivered an inspiring speech on Saudi Arabia’s roadmap to make sports a nationwide way of life.

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Leading companies and institutions from both regions shared their insights on the dynamism of ongoing exchanges.

Moderated by renowned experts, the panels revealed concrete opportunities for collaboration in:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Infrastructure & Mobility
• Energy Transition & Sustainability
• Health, Agri-food, Sports & Technology

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“France is a leading voice within the European Union, and a fervent defender of building bridges between East and West. I do believe that our countries will serve each other as platforms to reach new markets. In this context, marked by ongoing tensions and uncertainties, I attach the strongest importance to consolidating bonds between our nations which remain stable, strong and complementary partners. By focusing on digital transformation, we can also stimulate the growth of our economies and improve the quality of life of our citizens. I believe, and I had the opportunity to discuss this with some of you, that technological innovation must constitute the third pillar of our partnership. As you know regarding AI, France has many advantages, abundant low-carbon energy mix, highly-skilled personnel, and serves as a gateway to Europe. France stands out as the European leader in AI, and many investors are starting to make massive investment decisions in France. During the “AI Action Summit” in February 2025, more than 109 billion euros of private investments were announced. I also wish to mention the United Arab Emirates’ recent investment in creating a large-scale campus dedicated to AI in France. This partnership will consolidate France’s lead over the rest of Europe in AI and I am grateful to the Emirates authorities for this initiative. Just last month, the eight edition of the Summit “Choose France” gathered more than 400 international participants and nearly 41 billion euros in new investments were announced. This edition confirmed France as the top destination for foreign investment in Europe for the sixth year in a row. My recent visit to the United Arab Emirates early May reaffirmed France’s commitment to maintain and further deepen its strategic partnership with the Gulf region. I intend to return to the region in the near future to continue along this path and I will of course be meeting with some of you who, being present today, are honouring France.” Explained the Ministry Eric Lombard in his speech for conclusion of this event in the heart of Paris.

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This forum has now established itself as the premier platform for shaping the economic relationship between France and the Gulf countries.