Kuwait city: French Minister of Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier extolled the launch of the French Business Council, anticipated to play a key role in enhancing trade relations between France and Kuwait.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Forissier praised the solid and long-standing relations between Kuwait and France across various domains, including education, economy, and finance. He expressed satisfaction with the establishment of a follow-up group on bilateral ties, formed after the July 2025 meeting to support the development of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Forissier highlighted that the upcoming opening of the French group's office in Kuwait signifies the steady growth in investment and economic relations. He also noted the remarkable growth in bilateral ties following His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's visit to France in July 2025.
He reiterated France's commitment to bolstering the partnership and translating it into ambitious and innovative projects for mutual benefit, as the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaches in 2026. Approximately 800 French nationals reside in Kuwait, contributing to strengthening bilateral relations, alongside numerous Kuwaitis visiting France annually.
Forissier mentioned his meetings with Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah and other senior officials. He praised Kuwait's economic transformation plans and Kuwait Vision 2035, highlighting French companies' readiness to contribute to these aspirations.
The French minister affirmed his government's support for French companies in the aviation and ports sectors, contributing to Kuwait's regional linkage strategy. This was discussed during meetings with Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah and Chairman of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding last Friday.
Forissier expressed France's readiness to expand bilateral investment flows in promising sectors such as energy transition, semiconductors, space, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. After meeting with Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, he voiced satisfaction with cooperation in hospital management and healthcare worker training in Kuwait.
Accompanied by Minister of Information and Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdurrahman Al-Mutairi, Forissier visited the production facility of the French company, Vectracom, a partner of Ejabi Sultan Communications Group. The trade volume between France and Kuwait reached USD 3.29 billion in 2023, making Kuwait France's fourth-largest European partner, with active French corporate presence in energy, construction, and infrastructure sectors.