The Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, Dr. Khaled Hanafi, confirmed during the "Grand Plenary Session" held during the work of the Fifth French-Arab Economic Summit "Strengthening France's position in the Arab world", in the French capital, Paris, during the period, 11-12 December 2024 under the patronage of His Excellency French President Emmanuel Macron, and the presence of the heads and members of the boards of directors of the chambers and federations of Arab chambers, representatives of Arab and French economic and financial institutions, businessmen from both sides, in addition to the presence of Arab and French official figures that France and the Arab world have always enjoyed a distinguished historical relationship based on centuries of mutual respect, trade, and cultural exchange. Today, this relationship goes beyond traditional trade to include shared aspirations for building a sustainable and inclusive future for our people.
The Secretary-General noted that the Arab countries have recently diversified their partners into non-traditional global markets. From this point of view, we urge the French side to consider this to ensure the continuity of our economic relations. He stressed the rapid pace of changes in the Arab countries, so we call on the French side to follow these changes and understand them before it is too late. "France is a reliable strategic partner for the Arab world. In 2022, the value of French exports to Arab countries amounted to about 30 billion euros, while the value of Arab exports to France reached about 21 billion euros. These figures are not just statistics; they are evidence of economic opportunities and jobs that contribute to strengthening local and regional economies."
We have witnessed strong cooperation between France and the Arab world in multiple sectors such as energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, and agriculture. The Arab region is home to some of the world's largest renewable energy projects, such as Saudi Arabia's $5 billion green hydrogen project. French expertise in this area is the cornerstone of these ambitions. As Arab economies diversify, we see France as a strategic supporter offering expertise and vision in the fields of renewable energy, climate action, and technology. These sectors not only promote growth but also are key pillars for building resilient economies prepared for future challenges.
The Secretary General of the Union considered that the world is witnessing radical changes that open new horizons for cooperation between France and the Arab world. One such promising area is digital transformation. With more than 60% of the Arab world's population under the age of thirty, there is an urgent need for cutting-edge digital solutions. The region's digital economy is expected to reach $200 billion by 2025. This growth creates opportunities for collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and fintech."
He stressed that sustainability is a common goal, as many Arab countries are taking concrete steps towards sustainable development. For example, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and 2060, respectively. France plays a pivotal role by making investments in green technology and knowledge transfer. However, we still face challenges such as climate change, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty. But in close cooperation, we can overcome them and create innovative solutions that serve our common interests.
Dr. Khaled Hanafi explained that French-Arab relations are not limited to economic cooperation only, but extend to cultural and educational ties. These ties, nurtured through centuries of cultural exchange and education, have enriched our societies. In this context, the Union of Arab Chambers attaches particular importance to this aspect by strengthening partnerships with French universities and research institutions. In this way, we invest in nurturing a new generation of leaders who can shape a bright future.
The partnership between France and the Arab world is a model of cooperation based on shared values and mutual respect. In light of global transformations, it is imperative that we seize opportunities to strengthen this cooperation and build stronger foundations for a shared future. So let us work together as governments, businesses, and civil societies to create a future in which economic growth and sustainable development strike an ideal balance. A future in which our partnership becomes a symbol of strength and progress for the benefit of our people.
Source (Union of Arab Chambers)
