The Saudi-French Business Forum has kicked off in Riyadh, convening major companies and key business leaders, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
On November 23, 2025, the Saudi Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT), Majid Al-Qasabi, and French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Development, Nicolas Forissier, inaugurated the three-day forum.
In his opening speech, Al-Qasabi underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing relations and partnerships with France, based on mutual respect, and to bolstering trade cooperation and fostering joint economic opportunities.
More than 230 major companies from Saudi Arabia and France are taking part in the Saudi-French Business Forum to explore cooperation opportunities and develop trade partnerships in the fields of smart cities, sports, culture and advanced technology. Their participation also aims to enhance the economic and investment presence in the two countries.
Al-Qasabi highlighted the depth of Saudi-French partnership, pointing to GAFT’s role in enhancing avenues for trade cooperation and developing shared economic opportunities.
Taking place from November 23-25, 2025, the Forum features panel discussions to promote partnerships and expand economic cooperation, in addition to workshops and field tours to showcase major development projects.
Getting ready for what lies ahead!
Economic partnerships between Riyadh and Paris continue to strengthen at Saudi French Business Forum 🇸🇦🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/R7H3OLEeOm
— هيئة التجارة الخارجية (@gaft_sa) November 23, 2025
Trade volume between Saudi Arabia and France has amounted to $48 billion. Top Saudi exports to France include boilers, machinery, appliances, mechanical tools, and aircraft and spacecraft. Meanwhile, French exports to the Kingdom include boilers, machinery, appliances, mechanical tools, and pharmaceutical products.
Importantly, trade volume between the two countries recorded a 15.37% growth in the period between 2020 and 2024.
