Paris, France: In the halls of Hôtel des Arts et Métiers in Paris, leaders from France and the Arab League will gather on December 11 and 12 for the Fifth France-Arab Economic Summit.
The event, under the high patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, brings together governments, businesses, and visionaries to address shared economic challenges and developments.
As the world grapples with uncertainty – whether from geopolitical volatility or environmental crises – the summit offers a much-needed space for cooperation and innovation, led by the Franco-Arab Chamber of Commerce (CCFA).
In an exclusive interview with TRENDS, Vincent Reina, President of the CCFA, highlighted the importance of the summit as a platform for strengthening Franco-Arab relations—not just in terms of trade but also in the exchange of knowledge and sustainable solutions for the future.
Key personalities
“Our 2024 Summit, held under the high patronage of President Emmanuel Macron for the second time, will bring together French and Arab stakeholders to exchange views, promote their activities and strategies, and foster collaborations,” Reina said.
The event will feature key personalities, such as Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, as the guest of honor.
Joining him will be Arab ambassadors, French business leaders, former Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, and prominent figures like the Director General of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, Tunisia’s Minister of Economy and Planning, the President of the Union of the Comoros, the Saudi deputy minister for Investment and the Deputy Secretary General of the Arab League.
Strategic partners like Transdev and Veolia will also participate, with closing remarks delivered by Ludovic Pouille, former Ambassador in Saudi and the UAE, now Director for Economic Diplomacy at France’s Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Strategic importance
Reina emphasized that the uncertainties of the current international landscape and pressing global challenges must guide and shape actions.
“The emergence of the ‘New South,’ which includes key Arab countries like Morocco, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, has brought major new players to the forefront of global economic and diplomatic affairs, with significant individual ambitions and collective objectives that may at times diverge from those of Western nations,” the President explained.
Crucial challenges must be addressed, according to Reina, including maintaining robust and inclusive global economic growth, combating human trafficking, and tackling climate change.
“In Europe, economic and political difficulties – affecting leading countries such as France and Germany – compounded by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, create a lack of visibility and clarity about the future,” he said.
“In the Arab context, while some countries boast strong economic and political stability and growth, others face deep crises or are struggling to recover, such as Lebanon, despite a recent temporary ceasefire agreement.”
Key partnerships
While the 2023 Summit focused on sovereignty issues – food security, health sovereignty, mobility, urban planning, and water – the 2024 Summit adopts a geographical approach, opening new avenues for collaboration, as Reina pointed out.
“On the one hand, with the Maghreb countries, we’re looking at integrating them into international value chains, as these countries can be major production bases for French companies, both as back-office production bases and as projection bases,” Reina highlighted.
“On the other hand, Gulf states aim to become key players in digital transformation, soft mobility, artificial intelligence, service economies, and space exploration. French companies can integrate into these dynamics.”
He also noted opportunities arising as some countries rebuild post-crisis.
“In post-crisis countries, reconstruction efforts offer substantial markets for French companies while enabling these countries to leapfrog technologically by adopting cutting-edge expertise,” he added.
French businesses need access to reliable information and connections to position themselves effectively. The Chamber facilitates this through B2B meetings for its members.
Tangible outcomes
The era of merely “selling” or “seeking investment” is over, the President pointed out.
“It is time to change how we approach Arab markets, moving toward win-win economic collaborations and partnerships that benefit both French and Arab companies in their respective markets,” Reina said.
“True economic collaboration and co-construction must take precedence, allowing for partnerships and even competition when appropriate.”
A prime example of this evolution is the current collaboration between French and Moroccan companies. Similar dynamics are emerging with nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, according to Reina.
“I am optimistic that institutional agreements will be signed during the Summit. The Chamber plans to partner with the Arab Federation for Digital Enterprises, while the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce is expected to sign an agreement with Business France,” Reina said.
“Ultimately, the Summit should serve as a starting point, not a conclusion. While the 2023 edition was highly successful, I am confident this year’s Summit will be equally remarkable.”
By working together, France and the Arab world have the opportunity to shape a future that is not only economically prosperous but also sustainable, innovative, and resilient in the face of future challenges.
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About the CCFA
The CCFA was established in 1970 by a former Secretary of State under General De Gaulle and the League of Arab States’ representative. It has a unique governance structure composed equally of French and Arab League state representatives.
Part of a global network within the Union of Arab Chambers, led by Samir Majoul of Tunisia’s UTICA, it collaborates with Arab ambassadors in Paris and French entities like ministries, embassies, and public or private organizations. It is the only joint organization between France and all Arab countries.