Returning for a three-day trip to Kuwait and Qatar March 10-13, Bricq noted the major construction projects to be undertaken in the region, especially the USD 110 billion infrastructure development projects being put in place in Kuwait under the 2010-2014 five-year plan.
Bricq also said France was hoping to bid on the Kuwait City subway project that envisions four metro lines for the capital.
In a statement from her office, the Trade Minister also indicated French interest in providing water-treatment plants, energy efficiency programmes, new urban construction and other infrastructure projects.
French companies, "both big groups and small- and medium-enterprises, have real expertise" in these areas and Bricq sought to demonstrate this to Kuwaiti authorities during her visit, her office said.
Also, in the area of health, Bricq outlined the "willingness of French companies to contribute to the development effort of a quality health service" which will include the construction of nine new hospitals and the renovation of eight existing structures.
France is also offering to deliver high-tech and innovative equipment for the Kuwaiti health sector.
"Beyond major, strategic and structure contracts, my trip allowed for the emergence of specific, new cooperation projects in the area of ‘better urban living’…and ‘improving health care’ in Kuwait, areas in which an integrated French offer is being put together," Bricq said on her return to France.
The French Minister also discussed ongoing technical and academic exchanges between the two nations, in particular the programmes via the University Paris Descartes.
A second approach made by Bricq was to meet Kuwaiti investors and fund managers and demonstrate how attractive France can be as an investment destination, and not just in the real estate sector.
She also discussed ways to establish joint projects to boost French exports to the region, a proposal that will be followed up on my more discussions at technical level later in the year.
France feels that Franco-Kuwaiti trade ties do not reflect the high level of the "excellent" political ties between the two nations.
And the figures support this view because France’s market share has fallen to only 2.5 percent in Kuwait today, compared with 6.0 percent 20 years ago.
To help rectify this situation, the Trade Minister has proposed a joint France-Kuwait Economic Commission meeting be held before the end of the year. That Commission has not met in four years, although annual meetings were planned.
"This will be an opportunity to re-boost direct contacts between the business communities," the French side said.
Promoting stronger economic and trade ties is at the heart of new policies being implemented by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who espouses a revitalized "economic diplomacy" to bolster France’s presence abroad.
