Total trade between the UAE and France crossed €5.1 billion (Dh25.8 billion) last year as both the countries look to improve trade ties, according to figures released by the French Business Council (FBC) in Dubai.

Exports from France to UAE jumped 12.2 per cent to €3.9 billion (Dh19.7 billion) in 2013 while exports from UAE to France rose 7.3 per cent to €1.2 billion (Dh6 billion), said Claude Valle, President of the FBC. Among the non-oil trade sectors, aircraft composites, ceramics and glass recorded the highest trading volume and value in the bilateral trade.

“The French community in the UAE strongly supported Dubai Expo 2020 bid and the French companies – more than 1,000 in the UAE – are now ready to offer their expertise to the organisers to make this event a tremendous success. The French Business Council is the one stop shop for its members who commit to offering their skills to serve the World Expo, to creating opportunities in both countries and to taking our bilateral economic relationships to new horizons,” he added.

The French Business Council of Dubai & Northern Emirates also recorded growth of 18 per cent in its members, reaching a total of more than 600 members, both French and local companies. It aims to further expand its business and membership base this year.

Claude Valle said the UAE is an exceptional commercial partner for French companies and France’s 8th largest supplier of petroleum products.

He said the French Business Council will create a committee dedicated to Dubai Expo 2020 as well as the event will have major impact on all local business sectors.  The UAE received around 20,000 French residents in 2013.

“UAE and France have strong historical ties and confident. The exceptional quality of relations since the establishment of the Federation by the leaders of both sides consolidates relationships of trust and complicity which also benefits our trade and economic relationship. Like their commercial position, the UAE ranked first in the Gulf in terms of locations of French companies,” Claude Valle added.