Partners in progress

Relations between France and the UAE continue to thrive on many levels.

Relations between France and the UAE have increased and diversified. Besides bilateral co-operation, several major developments and initiatives have also contributed in bringing the two nations closer.

A series of top-level meetings and visits under the umbrella of political interaction were witnessed last year. Progress in relations between the two countries, according to the French Ambassador Patrice Paoli, has accelerated mainly due to regular high-level interaction between the two countries.

General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces paid a state visit to France in January this year, followed by a UAE delegation led by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs in July. In addition, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid his first state visit to France on assuming office. The French minister of culture visited the UAE, while the French minister of education paid a visit to the UAE to sign an agreement and inaugurate the Sorbonne University recently. In addition, the French minister of foreign trade, the minister of defence and the minister of foreign affairs visited the UAE this year for talks with their counterparts. Several French ministers will visit the UAE this year.

Warm ties

Commenting on the warm ties between the two nations, Paoli says that the level of cooperation France shares with the UAE is an indication of a comprehensive partnership that encompasses political dialogue, economical and military areas, apart from the cultural activity that has been recent and something to be proud of.

As an important country, not just regionally but also worldwide, the UAE is a special friend and partner for France, says Paoli. "In my first year as ambassador to the UAE, I have witnessed the richness of our relationship that has withstood the test of time (with an association dating back to the UAE's formation). Our ties stand on a common conception of international relations based on rules of law and justice. We share the same concerns and believe in fighting extremism. We are cooperating on all recent issues. The newest area where our relationship has been blossoming is in the cultural field, with cultural interaction expanding significantly. We view the opening of Sorbonne University as a way to bridge the gap between different civilisations and an important step to consolidate relations with other countries in the region," says the French ambassador.

Military relations

Adding to that, Paoli points out that military relations between France and the UAE have evolved significantly from a mere buying and selling relationship. "We have a major cooperation going in the military area. The French are involved in extensive military training, exchanging of expertise and ongoing cooperation in various fields with the UAE military forces," says the envoy.

On the trade front, France and the UAE have maintained steady growth over the last ten years. Last year witnessed a nine per cent increase in trade for both countries. The trend continued for the first six months of 2006 with a 58 per cent global increase. While French exports to the UAE in 2005 amounted to 2.655 billion euros (Dh12.38 billion), imports from the UAE totalled 728 billion euros (Dh3397 billion). French exports mainly comprised Airbus aircraft [(711 million Euros (Dh903.28 billion)], while UAE exports registered a huge growth, thanks to an increase in the sale of oil products (nearly 40 per cent).

"The UAE is a buoyant market which not only makes it an important economic partner for France, but also serves as a platform to do business with other countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Several major French companies operate from the UAE with their headquarters based here," says the French envoy.

Around 300 French businesses have a presence in the UAE. In 2003, French direct investment in the UAE amounted to 608 million euros (Dh772.43 million). One of the main French investors in the UAE is the Total Group which is currently one of Abu Dhabi's main foreign partners. In addition, French companies have been involved in major projects including the Dolphin initiative and seawater desalination investments in Taweelah A1 project. In addition, Carrefour and French banks such as Calyon and BNP Paribas have a large presence in the UAE. The UAE hosts a 12,000-strong French community, which is the largest in the region according to the French ambassador.

Frequent visits to the UAE by French delegations and significant French presence at major exhibitions have boosted French business representation in the local market.

The MEDEF International (French Business Confederation) and several delegations from the health and telecommunications sectors, and different regions of France, have visited the UAE over the previous year. French firms through UBIFRANCE (French agency for international business development) have a significant presence in major UAE trade fairs. For 2006, a French pavilion will be organised in fairs, including Arablab, Middle East Electricity, Arab Health, Gulf Food, Hotel Show, Beauty World and Airport Show as well as Index, Big 5, Adipec and Gitex. French companies are supported in the UAE through the French Business Group (FBG) and the French Business Council (FBC) which are French Chambers of Commerce in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This helps small and medium-sized French enterprises to develop their presence here.

Although France needs no introduction in the area of tourism, the UAE is still not aware of all the French tourist attractions, feels the French ambassador. 'Mason de La France' (the department in charge of French tourism promotion overseas) will participate in the annual ATM fair in Dubai, and will soon open an agency in the UAE to encourage more people to visit France.

Tourist spot

Last year, 100,000 UAE tourists visited France, and with Etihad Airways launching flights to the country, increased traffic is expected, says Paoli.

"In order to boost tourism, a delegation has recently visited the UAE. On the other hand, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is considering opening its office in Paris as well," says Paoli.

In the area of education, Paoli says that recent developments, including the opening of the Sorbonne University in the UAE, opens up a whole new path of cooperation for both countries. "We have several French schools in the UAE and the opening of the university enables UAE Nationals to continue their (French) education right here. In addition, A French Fasion University (Esmod) has recently opened in Dubai and there are plans to open a fashion school business school", he adds.

"With such amicable relations existing between the two nations, I do believe the French community feels extremely happy to live in the UAE, enjoying the security, warmth and hospitality the country and its people have to offer," says Paoli.