France eyes win-win partnerships with Kuwait as bilateral ties grow

16/01/2026 02:55 AST

French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin hosted a 'Business Diwaniya' networking event at his residence on January 14, 2025, marking the official relaunch of the French Business Council of Kuwait (FBCK). The relaunch comes amid broader momentum to boost bilateral trade and investment between France and Kuwait, following high-level visits by leaders of both nations in 2025.

"The French Business Council in Kuwait is a framework for economic dialogue and cooperation deeply rooted in the long-standing relationship between France and Kuwait," Gauvin said in his opening remarks. Giving an overview of Kuwait-France relations, the ambassador noted that the relationship is currently marked by a particularly strong bilateral momentum, shaped by a series of high-level diplomatic and economic engagements of rare intensity.

High-level visits
"The visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France on July 14, 2025; the visit of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot to Kuwait on April 24, 2025; and the visit of the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier on December 11, 2025, both accompanied by large delegations of economic stakeholders, all testify to a renewed mutual interest and a clear political will to further strengthen our partnerships," he remarked.

According to the ambassador, these high-level visits reflect a very tangible reality. "Kuwait is attracting growing interest from French companies, while an increasing number of Kuwaiti actors are seeking to establish long-term business relations with French partners. This dynamic is part of an exemplary diplomatic relationship, which will celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2026 and is anchored in more than 200 years of friendship. This relationship naturally extends into economic, commercial and financial exchanges," he said.

"To structure, reinforce and amplify our bilateral economic cooperation, we now have an operational tool: the French Business Council in Kuwait. More than a networking platform, it aims to serve as a bridge between economic ecosystems and as a facilitator for public-private dialogue, capable of turning opportunities into concrete projects," Gauvin added.

French economic actors are strongly motivated to build win-win partnerships aligned with Kuwait's strategic priorities under Kuwait Vision 2035, which opens significant prospects in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, healthcare, sustainable cities, logistics, artificial intelligence, finance and high value-added services.

Global expertise
France, for its part, offers globally recognized expertise and leading companies across all these fields and stands ready to be a long-term partner, bringing not only investment, but also technology, innovation, training and proven knowhow.

"The relaunch we are celebrating tonight is built on renewed, agile and representative governance," the ambassador said. He noted that the members of the Board of the French Business Council are experts with exemplary experience. "Arthur Liger and Olivier Esclauze bring complementary experience, a deep understanding of both the French and Kuwaiti environments, and a strong ability to connect people, ideas and institutions. Their commitment, capacity to foster trust and ability to mobilize networks are key assets for the development of the Council," he explained.

This governance is supported by a committed and diverse team. The variety of backgrounds, sectors and experiences represented within the Council is a real strength. Together, they form a community driven by the same ambition: To make the French Business Council in Kuwait a shared home for business relations, an open and reliable platform for networking and connections, and a space where dialogue leads to concrete and sustainable partnerships.

"We are expecting a major boost to business opportunities between the two countries," Gauvin told Kuwait Times on the sidelines of the event. "We expect strong ties in business connections, business contexts, business visits and delegations between the two countries, hoping these opportunities will turn into concrete projects," he stated.

Promising sectors
The ambassador said the Council would identify sectors and areas of cooperation aligned with Kuwait's economic priorities under Vision 2035. The Council could also help expand investment and cooperation in promising sectors, including infrastructure, aviation, ports, energy transition, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, healthcare and sports management, he added.

French Business Council officials Arthur Liger and Olivier Esclauze also spoke briefly on the occasion, highlighting how the FBCK could play a vital role in boosting trade and supporting business collaboration between the two countries. Esclauze said the Council could provide platforms for business leaders, investors and professionals to connect and form new partnerships.

According to KUNA, trade volume between France and Kuwait reached $3.29 billion in 2023, making France Kuwait's fourth.

Kuwait Times