Paris Hosts Gulf Vision 2025 Conference to Foster New Era of Cooperation with Kuwait and GCC

Paris is hosting the Gulf Vision 2025 conference on June 17-18, bringing together an elite group of government representatives, business leaders, and decision-makers. This annual event is a key platform for France to launch a new era of cooperation with the State of Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Axel Baroux, Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Business France—the event’s organizer—emphasized that the conference serves as a strategic platform to strengthen France’s multi-sector partnerships with GCC states, particularly Kuwait.

Baroux noted that the conference, held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, focuses on three key priorities:

1. Enhancing sustainable economic partnerships by turning shared interests—such as energy transition, artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, transportation, education, and tourism—into concrete agreements that support Gulf diversification strategies.

2. Bridging Gulf capital (including Kuwaiti investments) to Europe by gathering ministers, industrial leaders, and innovators in Paris to shape investment strategies at both French and European levels.

3. Establishing sustainable innovation as a cornerstone of cooperation, with discussions on energy, hydrogen, healthcare technologies, AI, and water and waste management.

He highlighted Kuwait’s strategic role, noting that Kuwait Vision 2035 aligns with France 2030, a national investment roadmap. Last year’s conference saw high-level Kuwaiti participation, reflecting a "clear interest in strengthening bilateral relations."

Baroux stressed that the 2025 edition marks a turning point in Franco-Gulf economic relations by linking France 2030 with Gulf visions, translating dialogue into actionable cooperation and practical projects. The conference provides French firms direct access to Gulf decision-makers and vice versa, fostering long-term partnerships.

France’s Economic Footprint in Kuwait

• France is the top European investor and 8th largest global investor in Kuwait, playing a key role in energy, infrastructure, and transportation.

• Over 50% of European companies in Kuwait are French, generating 2,100+ jobs.

• Growing cooperation in healthcare, education, green tech, and services, aligning with Kuwait’s economic diversification policies.

• France is Kuwait’s 4th-largest client and 10th-largest supplier, with priority sectors including healthcare, energy transition, digitalization, luxury goods, and creative industries.

Key Investment Areas

• Healthcare (5.1% of Kuwait’s GDP): France offers expertise in infrastructure, prevention, and treatment.

• Energy & Innovation: France leads in renewables, hydrogen, waste management, and smart agriculture.

• Luxury, cosmetics, infrastructure, and food: 89 French companies operate in Kuwait, enjoying strong market trust.

Business France’s Role

• Supports 2,000+ French companies annually in Gulf projects through trade missions, market studies, and startup services.

• Facilitates Kuwaiti investors in France with tailored advisory services, legal/financial market studies, and government-backed networking.

Conference Highlights

• High-level ministerial session: "2030 Roadmaps"—aligning long-term Gulf and French strategies.

• "Innovation for Sustainability": Expert-led discussions on water, waste, and energy management.

• Focus on Kuwait-specific projects: Healthcare infrastructure, airports, ports, solar energy, recycling, AI, vocational education, and smart farming.

Baroux invited Kuwaiti decision-makers and investors to engage in this open, ambitious economic dialogue, stressing France’s readiness for long-term, innovation-driven partnerships.

Organizer: Business France—a leading government agency promoting French economic exports and foreign direct investment.