Gulf, France Forge Innovation Pact
TDT| Manama
France and the Gulf countries are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation, one driven by shared innovation, co-production, and human capital, recasting decades-old trade relationships into bold, future-focused economic partnerships.
That was the message coming out of Vision Golfe 2025, a high-level forum held at the French Ministry of Economy in Paris, where over 1,200 participants, including 550 Gulf delegates and five ministers, took part in two days of deals, roundtables, and sector-led dialogue on energy, AI, health, and education.
From trade to transformation
Once defined by oil flows and exports, the France-GCC economic dynamic is now pivoting to deeper collaboration in industrial strategy, digital health, and talent development. France's 17,000 exporters and 2,000 subsidiaries in the Gulf have laid the foundation for a new joint economic playbook.
French Minister of Economy Éric Lombard described the moment as 'strategic, human, and forward-looking,' adding, 'I believe our countries can serve each other as platforms to access new markets, especially in a context marked by tension and uncertainty.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
14 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Iran attacks US airbase in Qatar; missiles successfully intercepted
AFP | Doha said yesterday the security situation was 'stable' following an Iranian missile attack that targeted a US airbase on its territory in retaliation for American attacks on Iran key nuclear sites. 'The Ministry of Interior confirms... that the security situation in the country is stable, and there is no cause for concern,' the government said in a statement. This came moments after Iran launched missiles yesterday evening at a major US airbase in Qatar — Al Udeid Air Base — with explosions ringing out in Doha and projectiles seen streaking overhead. Qatar, which is home to the largest US military facility in the Middle East, said its 'air defences successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base'. US President Donald Trump shrugged off the response as 'very weak' and said it was now time to make peace. He said Iran gave warning of the missile salvo, indicating that it wanted to avoid casualties. Right to respond Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said his country 'reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and scale of this blatant aggression'. Condemnation Regional neighbours strongly condemned Tehran's attack 'in the strongest terms', which constitutes a flagrant violation of Qatari sovereignty and a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. They offered 'all their capabilities to support the sisterly State of Qatar in any measures it takes'. Diplomacy UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned Iran's attack and urged again for diplomacy to end the conflict between Iran and Israel, his spokesman said. 'From the outset of the crisis, the Secretary-General has repeatedly condemned any military escalation in this conflict, including today's attack by Iran on the territory of Qatar,' spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Guterres 'further reiterates his call on all parties to stop fighting,' he added. GCC Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, described the act as a serious violation of Qatari sovereignty and a threat to the collective security of the Gulf region. He emphasised that any attack on a GCC member state is an attack on the entire Council, reiterating the bloc's unified stance in standing with Qatar against any threat to its territorial integrity and national security. The Arab Parliament called it a clear and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty and international law. It also urged against further escalation and the spread of conflict in the region.
Daily Tribune
14 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
HM King Hamad Expresses Solidarity with Qatar in Phone Call with Emir Sheikh Tamim
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, held a phone call with his brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, expressing Bahrain's full solidarity with the State of Qatar following a recent attack on its sovereignty. During the call, HM the King strongly condemned the incident in which Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps violated Qatari airspace — an act His Majesty described as a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter. King Hamad reaffirmed Bahrain's unwavering support for Qatar and emphasized that Bahrain stands ready to offer all means of support to the Qatari leadership in response to such provocations. He highlighted the deep bonds of brotherhood and shared heritage among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, stating that such ties call for unity in the face of external threats. His Majesty also underscored the importance of restraint, avoiding escalation, and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. The phone call reflects a growing spirit of cooperation and solidarity among GCC nations during times of regional tension.
Daily Tribune
14 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Gulf, France Forge Innovation Pact
TDT| Manama France and the Gulf countries are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation, one driven by shared innovation, co-production, and human capital, recasting decades-old trade relationships into bold, future-focused economic partnerships. That was the message coming out of Vision Golfe 2025, a high-level forum held at the French Ministry of Economy in Paris, where over 1,200 participants, including 550 Gulf delegates and five ministers, took part in two days of deals, roundtables, and sector-led dialogue on energy, AI, health, and education. From trade to transformation Once defined by oil flows and exports, the France-GCC economic dynamic is now pivoting to deeper collaboration in industrial strategy, digital health, and talent development. France's 17,000 exporters and 2,000 subsidiaries in the Gulf have laid the foundation for a new joint economic playbook. French Minister of Economy Éric Lombard described the moment as 'strategic, human, and forward-looking,' adding, 'I believe our countries can serve each other as platforms to access new markets, especially in a context marked by tension and uncertainty.'
