21 hours ago
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.'
