PARIS, France, June 16: France will host the Gulf Vision 2025 conference on June 17–18 in Paris under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, aiming to deepen economic cooperation and forge long-term partnerships between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — especially Kuwait — and France.

In an interview with KUNA, Axel Baroux, Regional Managing Director for the Near and Middle East at Business France, emphasized that the upcoming conference will serve as a pivotal platform to promote strategic collaboration. The event will bring together ministers, investors, industry leaders, and innovators to foster partnerships in sectors such as energy transition, healthcare, artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, transportation, tourism, and education.

Baroux highlighted the alignment between Kuwait Vision 2035 and France 2030, stressing that both countries are focused on sustainable innovation and economic diversification. He noted that Kuwait has played a significant role in previous editions of the conference, reflecting mutual interest in enhancing bilateral ties.

The 2025 edition is expected to mark a turning point in Gulf–France economic relations. By facilitating direct engagement between French companies and Gulf decision-makers, the conference aims to move beyond dialogue to practical agreements and projects.

France is currently the leading European investor and the eighth-largest global investor in Kuwait. More than half of the European companies operating in Kuwait are French, providing over 2,100 job opportunities, particularly in infrastructure, transportation, energy, and health.

Baroux pointed to the growing cooperation in healthcare, education, green technology, and services, aligned with Kuwait’s strategy to diversify its economy. He added that France’s presence in Kuwait spans 89 companies across key sectors including luxury, cosmetics, food, and infrastructure.

Business France, the conference organizer, works with approximately 2,000 French companies annually across the Gulf. It offers support in B2B matchmaking, market research, startup facilitation, and talent mobility. The agency also assists Kuwaiti firms looking to enter the French market by offering consulting, legal, and financial services, and access to government and research institutions.

Calling on Kuwaiti investors and decision-makers to participate in Gulf Vision 2025, Baroux underscored the importance of turning conversations into concrete collaborations. Specific focus areas for Kuwait include health infrastructure, solar and renewable energy, water and waste management, AI, smart agriculture, and vocational training.

The event will feature high-level sessions, including a "2030 Plans" ministerial roundtable and an “Innovation for Sustainability” dialogue exploring resource management and future technologies. Baroux concluded by reiterating France’s openness to long-term partnerships grounded in innovation, shared growth, and economic resilience.

Business France, a leading government agency, is spearheading the initiative to bolster France’s international economic outreach and attract foreign investment.