Dubai, UAE— The UAE is a key market for French businesses due to its strategic location as a hub and gateway to the entire region, said Axel Baroux, the French Trade Invest Commissioner to the UAE and the Regional Director of Business France in the Middle East.
Speaking to the media at the Gulfood Manufacturing exhibition in Dubai, Baroux said that over 600 French companies operate in the UAE, pointing to the strong trade and investment ties between the UAE and France.
He said that French exports to the UAE exceed $5.13 billion, while UAE imports from France exceed $2.67 billion.
He pointed out that French exports to the UAE span a wide range of sectors, including food, food processing equipment, and transportation equipment, with the pharmaceutical, health, and cosmetics industries leading the way.
At the exhibition, France is represented by 48 companies, 20 of which specialise in food processing and 28 in agricultural and food equipment and logistics services.
He noted that the French exhibitors are seeking to establish new partnerships, sign agreements, and enhance cooperation with specialised entities in the field of food industries and agricultural equipment in the Middle East region.
He also pointed out that in a few months, they will have a strong participation in the GulFood exhibition, with nearly 100 French companies coming to Dubai to showcase their innovations and explore opportunities.
According to the French participants in the exhibition, France is seeking to adapt to the food safety requirements in the UAE, and it is the fifth largest European supplier of food ingredients to the UAE.