Fifteen French companies discussed in Riyadh on Monday cooperation opportunities in the fields of technology, modern industries, agricultural production, renewable energy, entertainment, tourism, education and training, and ways to strengthen partnerships in the Qiddiya and NEOM projects, the Red Sea, Green Riyadh, the Middle East Green Initiative and other new Saudi projects.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Co-chairman of the Saudi-French Business Council Laurent Germain said: “We seek to strengthen cooperation in various fields, and we have full confidence in the Saudi investment environment,” pointing to the Kingdom’s ability to develop its economy and increase investments and trade in the region despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that the French side was looking forward to drawing a road map in order to translate bilateral agreements into tangible reality and explore investment opportunities offered by the Kingdom.
“During the coming period, we expect an influx of investments in areas that have been explored, in addition to our work in the fields of roads, aviation, transportation, infrastructure, airports, the Red Sea project, the Green Middle East project, Diriyah, Qiddiya and others,” Germain stated.
Dr. Khaled Al-Yahya, Secretary-General of the Council of Saudi Chambers, expected that the French-Saudi talks would result in plans and projects that work on exchanging information and visits, building trust and forging real partnerships to generate jobs, transfer knowledge and technology and develop strategic sectors.
In this regard, Yahya pointed to the great Saudi economic transformation and major reforms in legislation and regulations, which all seek to encourage foreign companies to access the Saudi market and invest in energy, health, education, hospitality and tourism.
