France-GCC Ties Grow Stronger at Vision Golfe 2026 Forum in Paris
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
PARIS: The Vision Golfe 2026 Forum in Paris brought together more than 1,200 participants, including government ministers, business leaders, and investors from France and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The event highlighted growing economic cooperation and new partnership opportunities between France and the Gulf region.
Organized by Business France, the agency that supports the global growth of the French economy, the forum featured 13 major discussion sessions with more than 80 speakers. More than 2,000 business meetings were also held during the event.
The gathering took place during a week when many global leaders in politics, business, and technology met across Europe, creating an ideal setting for stronger France-GCC relations.
Business France said Vision Golfe has become the leading platform for economic dialogue between France and GCC nations. The event brought together senior officials, company executives, and institutional leaders to discuss investment, trade, and innovation.
Louis Margueritte, Chief Executive Officer of Business France, said the Gulf region offers exceptional opportunities and remains an important partner for France.
The forum was officially opened by Roland Lescure, France’s Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty, alongside Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Attractiveness, and Louis Margueritte.
Officials highlighted the rapid growth of economic ties between France and GCC countries. According to Nicolas Forissier, trade between France and GCC nations reached nearly €25 billion in 2025, showing strong economic relations and significant room for future growth.
Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Investment, stressed the importance of strategic cooperation between the UAE and France, especially in key sectors that support long-term development.
The Vision Golfe 2026 agenda focused on several important industries, including energy, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, food security, smart cities, luxury industries, culture, and workforce development.
Water security and sustainable infrastructure were major topics during the discussions. Experts emphasized the need for innovation, efficient resource management, and stronger cooperation between governments and private companies to support future growth.
Defense and security cooperation also received significant attention. Special sessions explored opportunities in cybersecurity, space technology, defense innovation, and strategic resilience.
Participants discussed expanding partnerships through joint investments, technology sharing, research programs, and talent development initiatives. These efforts aim to strengthen cooperation in advanced technology and security sectors.
The forum also highlighted the growing role of culture and creative industries in building stronger ties between France and Gulf countries.
Several agreements were signed during the event. One notable partnership was announced between French quantum computing company Quandela and Qatar’s Mekdam Holding Group to support cooperation in quantum technologies.
Food security cooperation also reached an important milestone. SEMMARIS, which manages the Rungis International Market in France, and Abu Dhabi Food Hub presented a shared vision for the future of food supply networks. The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen agrifood supply chains and improve food security.
Business France said Vision Golfe 2026 once again demonstrated its ability to turn dialogue into concrete results, helping create new opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation between France and GCC countries.
