News DeskParis, France – The French Ministry of Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty in Paris was the focal point for the groundbreaking Vision Golfe 2024 event, which has significantly fortified economic relations between France and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The event saw an extraordinary turnout with over 1,200 attendees, including more than 500 stakeholders from GCC countries, showcasing a deepening commitment to bilateral economic cooperation.
The conference commenced with addresses from Bruno Le Maire, the French Minister of Economy, and Laurent Saint-Martin, CEO of Business France, emphasizing the strategic importance of French-GCC cooperation. High-level participants included Dr. Jaleela bint AlSayed Jawad Hasan, Bahrain’s Minister of Health, and Eng. Salim Al Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, among others.
Key agreements were signed, notably between the Saudi Ports Authority, MAWANI, and the Grand Port of Marseille Fos, enhancing maritime connections pivotal to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Additionally, Export Bahrain and the French Chamber of Commerce forged a partnership to boost Bahraini exports and Franco-Bahraini business relations.
The event also highlighted France’s leading position in Europe for investment attractiveness, with the announcement of the France Lab at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and the showcasing of the South of France’s potential for cooperation with GCC entities by Rising SUD.
Laurent Saint-Martin remarked on the importance of building bridges with Gulf partners to foster a resilient and prosperous future, despite global crises and regional tensions.
Vision Golfe 2024’s success was bolstered by key partners such as First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Thallium Consulting, Sadita Holding Company, and CES Rayer, paving the way for new business creation, increased investment flows, and strategic partnerships between France and the GCC.
