Vision Golfe 2026 Strengthens France-GCC Economic Ties with Over 1,200 Participants
Paris – This week, over 1,200 participants, including five ministers and leaders from both public and private sectors, convened in Paris for Vision Golfe 2026, reinforcing its status as a premier platform for economic collaboration between France and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The event occurred during a pivotal week that gathered some of the most influential figures in politics, economics, and technology across Europe. Organized by Business France, Vision Golfe 2026 facilitated high-level discussions and engagement between France and GCC member states. The forum featured 13 panel discussions, more than 80 speakers, and over 2,000 business-to-business meetings, solidifying its role as a key reference point for France-Gulf economic dialogue.
A Flagship Platform for Economic Exchange
Vision Golfe 2026 has established itself as the leading platform for economic interaction between France and the Gulf. The event showcased the increasing momentum and diversity of Franco-Gulf business relations. Louis Margueritte, CEO of Business France, emphasized the forum’s significance, stating, “Today, and maybe more than ever, I want to reaffirm a simple and strong message: France stands firmly alongside the countries of the Gulf. Despite current tensions, we remain deeply convinced of the region’s extraordinary potential and we believe together in a region that will overcome the current crisis. We believe it will make a strong rebound.”
High-Level Officials Set Ambitious Goals
The forum was inaugurated by prominent officials, including Roland Lescure, French Minister for the Economy, Finance, and Industrial Sovereignty, and Nicolas Forissier, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Attractiveness. They welcomed delegates by highlighting the unprecedented scope of cooperation between France and the GCC. Forissier noted that trade between France and GCC countries reached nearly €25 billion in 2025, underscoring the robust economic ties and potential for further collaboration.
Gulf dignitaries also played a significant role in the discussions. H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia, outlined the Kingdom’s ambitions to develop mining as a strategic pillar of its economic transformation. H.E. Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary at the UAE’s Ministry of Investment, emphasized the importance of UAE-France strategic partnerships. The presence of H.E. Khalid Ebrahim Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, and H.E. Eng. Saleh Alsolami, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development Center, further demonstrated the high-level political support from the GCC.
Strategic Sectors for Future Cooperation
The agenda for Vision Golfe 2026 encompassed a wide array of strategic sectors, reflecting the deepening Franco-Gulf ties. Key discussions focused on energy, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, logistics, food security, healthcare, and cultural industries. Water security and sustainable infrastructure emerged as critical priorities, with discussions emphasizing innovation and public-private partnerships as vital for long-term development. Luis de Lope, CEO of Saur International, remarked on the GCC’s role in setting global benchmarks in water security and infrastructure resilience.
This year, the forum placed a special emphasis on strategic resilience in defense and security, exploring Franco-Gulf cooperation in areas such as space, cybersecurity, and defense technology. Participants identified concrete opportunities for expanded partnerships, including co-investment and technology transfer, reflecting a mutual interest in enhancing collaboration in high-tech domains.
Building Bridges Amid Geopolitical Changes
The timing of this year’s forum coincided with significant geopolitical shifts, highlighting the importance of dialogue and economic cooperation. Speakers underscored the resilience of Franco-Gulf economic relations amid global uncertainties. Lescure stressed the need to strengthen ties across various sectors, asserting that economic cooperation serves as a bridge to a changing world, particularly during times of regional tension.
Forissier echoed this sentiment, noting the enduring partnerships between France and the GCC that have withstood global challenges, yielding mutual economic benefits and strategic alignment.
Concrete Outcomes and Future Prospects
Vision Golfe 2026 showcased its ability to deliver tangible results. Several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the event, including a partnership between Quandela and Mekdam Holding Group focused on quantum technologies between France and Qatar. The forum also marked a significant milestone in food security cooperation, with SEMMARIS (Rungis International Market) and Abu Dhabi Food Hub outlining their shared vision, culminating in a signed MoU to strengthen agri-food supply chains.
Bertrand Lambroise, International Director of SEMMARIS, articulated the ambition behind the partnership, stating, “Food infrastructure is not just about buildings or logistics; it’s about connecting people – linking producers with consumers and bridging local excellence with global markets.”
Additionally, Vision Golfe 2026 served as a platform for strategic insights. On June 19, Global Health Stratalogues launched a market intelligence report titled “Roadmap to Entering the KSA Healthcare Market: A Strategic Guide for International Companies,” further establishing the forum’s role in thought leadership, particularly in healthcare.
A Vision for Continued Cooperation
As a flagship platform for bilateral cooperation, Vision Golfe is committed to accelerating deals and shaping a shared economic future grounded in partnership and innovation. The event was supported by key partners from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and France, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Qatar National Bank, and Sanofi.
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Published on 2026-06-22 18:42:00 • By the Editorial Desk
