Riyadh: As part of the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the French Republic, the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable Meeting was held on Monday in Paris, organized by the Ministry of Investment, with the participation of senior government officials, business leaders, and CEOs of major companies from the two countries.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Investment Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif emphasized the longstanding relations between Saudi Arabia and France, which have spanned a full century. He highlighted the alignment between French capabilities in technology, industry, finance, and innovation with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, which is reflected in strong investment flows. French foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia reached £16.3 billion in 2024, doubling over five years, making France the Kingdom's fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment. French investors currently hold over 650 investment licenses across 18 sectors.
Al-Saif affirmed that under Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has become one of the fastest-growing G20 economies, with GDP having grown by around 85% since 2017. He noted that non-oil activities now account for more than 50% of GDP, and investment has become a main driver of growth and diversification. Foreign direct investment inflows amounted to around £6.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 2.4% year on year.
The minister also highlighted the opportunities for French companies in sectors such as energy, financial services, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, transport and logistics, gaming, and tourism. He noted that Saudi-French cooperation in the oil and gas sector extends to conventional energy and petrochemicals, while French companies are actively involved in the Kingdom's transition towards clean energy.
Minister Al-Saif pointed out that the financial sector is another important avenue for cooperation, with efforts to deepen and broaden the Saudi financial system. He said that growth in the economy and priority sectors will drive the growth of enabling sectors, opening up further investment opportunities for French companies.
He also highlighted the gaming and esports sector, where the Kingdom presents a strong opportunity with average revenue per player being 7% higher than the global average. He mentioned the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Program, which has attracted over 750 companies, including 39 French companies.
French Minister of the Economy and Finance Roland Lescure emphasized the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and France, highlighting energy and logistics security as key pillars. He noted the shared goal of increasing trade to $12 billion by 2025 and pointed to the alignment between Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030.
The meeting featured a session titled "Saudi Arabia and France: Partnership for the Future," exploring prospects for cooperation and opportunities to strengthen private-sector partnerships. Strategic dialogues focused on financing transformative destinations, advancing industrial partnerships, developing transport and logistics, and building the digital future through AI and digital infrastructure.
The meeting reflects expanding economic and investment ties, supported by France's strengths and the opportunities created by Saudi Vision 2030. French direct investment stock in the Kingdom reached SAR63.9 billion in 2024, making France the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia. Bilateral trade reached SAR44.2 billion in 2025, with French companies expanding their presence in the Kingdom.
As Saudi Vision 2030 progresses, opportunities for French investors expand in sectors aligned with French expertise, opening wider prospects for high-value partnerships between the Saudi and French business communities.
