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Saudi Arabia and France are setting a new foundation for economic cooperation, aiming to expand investment to approximately $19 billion in future industries. A roundtable in Paris focused on broadening economic ties beyond traditional sectors into areas like technology, artificial intelligence, energy, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure.

This collaboration allows both countries to use current investments as a springboard for new projects. The goal is to increase the presence of French companies in Saudi Arabia while creating opportunities for Saudi capital in France and Europe. French investment in the Kingdom is increasingly focusing on new strategic sectors, including AI, digital infrastructure, culture, and mining, building on a strong existing presence in energy and industry.

Saudi Arabia, with a GDP of around €1.1 trillion, is the region's largest economy. Its national economic diversification program, Vision 2030, is creating new industries and offering significant opportunities for French investors. French companies are deepening their involvement in established sectors like energy and transport, while also entering emerging fields.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in late 2024 has opened new avenues for cooperation. Bilateral trade saw a 7.2 percent increase in 2025, reaching approximately €10.1 billion. France is the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia.