Abu Dhabi: Bilateral trade between the UAE and France in 2012 stood at Dh14 billion, making the UAE France’s fourth largest ‘trade surplus’ partner, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, said.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF), organised in Paris by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, concluded three days ago, and focused on the development of economic and investment relations between the two countries, he said at a ceremony to inaugurate the new French Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night in the presence of Laurent Fabius, the French Foreign Minister.
The forum highlighted investment opportunities offered by the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the sectors of industry, finance and energy and finance, Shaikh Abdullah said.
“I expect the relations between French and UAE companies to advance a lot after this forum.”
France was among the most popular tourist destinations in the world in 2012 and tens of thousands of Emiratis visited France to enjoy the beauty and the richness of French culture, climate and hospitality, he said.
“I am sure the number of tourists between the two countries will increase in the coming period,” Shaikh Abdullah said.
He also noted that Emirates airline’s renewal of its sponsorship of Paris Saint-Germain Club until 2018- 2019 season was not a coincidence.
People of the UAE feel proud as they see the logo of Emirates on the French club’s shirts, he said.
