CAFS, Author at CAFS KSA

The 5th Edition of the CAFS Membership Directory

CAFS — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:51:04 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to present the 5th edition of its Members Directory – April 2026.

This edition brings together more than 310 members, comprising Saudi and French companies of all sizes and across diverse sectors. CAFS serves as a dynamic platform connecting businesses seeking to expand between Saudi Arabia and France, while fostering sustainable partnerships and strengthening bilateral trade relations in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

To download the CAFS Members Directory – April 2026:

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CAFS Activity Report 2025

CAFS — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:25:36 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of its 2025 Annual Activity Report in both English and Arabic.

CAFS’s activities in 2025 were strongly inspired by both Saudi Vision 2030 and France’s economic development priorities, which continue to guide and strengthen our initiatives. The CAFS has prioritized aligning its efforts with the core pillars of these frameworks by actively supporting high-growth sectors shaping the future of both the Saudi, French, and global economies. Special focus has been placed on healthcare, artificial intelligence, tourism, sports, renewable energy, the creative economy, higher education, and advanced technologies key areas essential to building meaningful partnerships and translating vision into actionable projects and tangible investment opportunities between Saudi Arabia and France.

Thanks to your support and the engagement of all our members, we successfully delivered the following activities in 2025:

45 events, including 30 networking events, gathering 2,500 participants
2,500 direct email introductions
500 meetings with companies and official entities
6 business delegations, resulting in 45 B2B meetings
Launch of 4 sectoral committees (Healthcare, Digital, Defense, Tourism)

Furthermore, CAFS now brings together more than 310 members from both Saudi and French companies.

For more details on our activities and achievements in 2025, please download the Activity Report via the links below.

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CAFS Organizes a Networking Event in the HORECA Sector

CAFS — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 08:15:07 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a Networking Event in the HORECA sector on February 11, 2026, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The event opened with a welcoming speech by Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet, Vice President of CAFS, followed by a presentation by H.H. Princess Noura Faisal Al Saud, Founder of Culture House, CEO of Jay3lle, and Vice President of CAFS.

The program then continued with a networking session that brought together French and Saudi companies from the hospitality, F&B, interior design, culture, tourism, luxury, and craftsmanship sectors.

CAFS extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors Culture House and Sergati Posters, as well as to all participants, for their valuable contributions to the success of this event.

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CAFS Organizes a Meeting in Collaboration with Eng. Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, and Mr. Ayman Aboabah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company

CAFS — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:50:01 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a meeting in collaboration with Eng. Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, and Mr. Ayman Aboabah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, during the Saudi French Networking Event – Construction & Infrastructure, held on January 27, 2026, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

During the meeting, Eng. Talal Al-Marri delivered a high-level overview of Expo Riyadh 2030, highlighting the project’s vision, objectives, and strategic impact. This was followed by a high-level presentation on the Riyadh Airport Project by Mr. Ayman Aboabah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company.

The meeting also featured presentations from the sponsors of this event, including Installux, International Aramoon, Dassault Systèmes, and Al Yamama Company, who provided overviews of their activities and expertise.

The meeting was followed by a networking session as part of the Saudi French Networking Event – Construction & Infrastructure, which brought together more than 300 participants, including decision-makers, industry leaders, and professionals, with the aim of fostering partnerships, encouraging collaboration, and facilitating the exchange of expertise between Saudi and French stakeholders.

CAFS extends its sincere appreciation to the speakers, sponsors — Installux, International Aramoon, Dassault Systèmes, and Al Yamama Company as well as to all participants for their valuable contributions to the success of this event.

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CAFS Organizes a Meeting in Collaboration with the French Embassy, the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, and COFACE

CAFS — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 08:31:01 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a meeting in collaboration with the French Embassy, the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, and COFACE on 13 January 2026 at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The meeting provided an opportunity to welcome a delegation from the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, responsible for the renegotiation of the French–Saudi Tax Treaty, highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen the economic and fiscal framework between the two countries.

The event also marked the first official visit to Saudi Arabia of Mr. Xavier Durand, Global CEO of COFACE. During the meeting, Mr. Durand and Ms. Abeer Albashrawi, Vice President of Marsh Middle East and Africa, addressed global economic conditions, emerging risks, and provided an update on COFACE’s ‘Power the Core’ strategy.

This meeting reflects the shared commitment of Saudi Arabia and France to deepen bilateral cooperation and enhance economic partnerships, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in fostering investment, trade growth, and international economic collaboration.

During the meeting, CAFS was represented by its President, Dr. Mohammed Bin Laden, and its Vice Presidents, H.H. Princess Noura Faisal Al Saud and Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet.

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Election of the CAFS Executive Committee 2025–2029

CAFS — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:45:14 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council held its Executive Committee election for the 2025–2029 term on 27 November 2025 at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

Election Results

President

Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden — Chairman, BLK Partners

Vice-President

H.H. Princess Noura Faisal Al Saud —CEO of Jay3lle • Founder of Culture House • Chairperson of Impressiv • Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum • BOF500 Class of 2024

Vice-President

Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet — Chairman, International Aramoon

Members of the Executive Committee

Mr. Talal Almarri — CEO, Expo Riyadh 2030 KSA

Mr. Nadir Al-Koraya — CEO, Riyad Bank

Mr. Nabil Al-Nuaim — CEO, Digital Transformation, Aramco Digital

Mr. Ayman Aboabah — CEO, Riyadh Airports KSA

Eng. Walid Abukhaled — CEO, EMIR

Dr. Fahad Aljuwaidi — CEO, First Abu Dhabi Bank Saudi Arabia

Mr. Nawaf Al-Sharif — CEO, AlSharif Holding Group

Mr. Zaher Al-Munajjed — Chairman, Support Services Network Company

Eng. Soufyan Al Kabbani — CEO, Saudico Electronic Systems

Mr. Mohamed Al-Amoudi— Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Saudi Red Brick Company – Al-Amoudi & Brothers Co

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CAFS Welcomes French Delegations in Conjunction with the Saudi-French Business Forum and the Booster Grow Program

CAFS — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:41:44 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a welcoming event in the presence of H.E. Mr. Patrick Maisonnave, Ambassador of France, to receive two French delegations coordinated by Business France. This meeting was held as part of the Saudi-French Business Forum and the Booster Grow Program, which together brought more than 80 French companies to the Kingdom. The event took place on 25 November 2025 at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The meeting coincided with the visit of these delegations and brought together more than 200 participants from Saudi and French companies, offering a valuable opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues for business cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France.

Event Agenda

Welcoming Remarks – Dr. Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS)
Welcoming Remarks – Mr. Axel Baroux, Middle East Director, Business France
Speech by H.E Mr. Patrick Maisonnave, Ambassador of France

Panel Discussion 1: “Legal & Business Environment for French Investors in Saudi Arabia”

Moderator: Mr. Guillaume Rebière, Chief of Staff, Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS)
Presentation: Macro-economic Overview and Key Indicators – Mr. Samuel Ménard, Head of the Economic Department, French Embassy
Presentation: Legal Framework and Registration Process for French Investors – Mr. Philippe Fadlalla, Partner, BLK Partners
Presentation: Export Support Schemes for French Exporters – Mr. Denis Lefers, General Director for Export Insurance, BPI France

Panel Discussion 2: “Experience Sharing by Saudi and French Companies”

Moderator: Mr. Jean-Philippe Bonnet, President, CCEF Saudi Arabia
Speaker: Mrs. Mélanie Guilldou, CEO, Lagardère Travel Retail Saudi Arabia
Speaker: Mr. Hisham Ezz El Arab, Regional Vice President for Business Acceleration, Danone
Speaker: Mr. Michel Raad, CEO, Axima Saudi Arabia

CAFS extends its sincere appreciation to BLK Partners for their generous sponsorship and invaluable support, and to all the distinguished speakers which were instrumental to the success of this event.

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CAFS Organizes the 2nd Edition of the Saudi-French “Tech & Digital” Networking Event

CAFS — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:50:50 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized the 2nd edition of the Saudi-French “Tech & Digital” Networking Event on November 19, 2025, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The event served as a dynamic platform for participants to exchange ideas and foster collaboration in the fields of technology and digital innovation. It featured a keynote conference titled “Smarter, Not Faster: Redefining Skill in the AI Era” delivered by Mr. Alex Adamopoulos, Chairman & CEO of Emergn, Forbes Business Council Influencer, and Drucker Society Board Member.

Thank you to Mr. Alex Adamopoulos for sharing his valuable insights, and a special thanks to our sponsors: Al Sharif Group and Devoteam.

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CAFS Organizes a Conference – “Licensing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia”, in Collaboration with BrandTrends, BBM Licensing, Licensing Horizons, and Licensing International

CAFS — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:29:43 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a conference on 27 October 2025 titled “Licensing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia,” in collaboration with BrandTrends, BBM Licensing, Licensing Horizons, and Licensing International.

The event explored how licensing can drive business growth in the Saudi market, bringing together global and regional experts to share insights on trends, opportunities, and consumer behavior.

Agenda highlights:
• Welcoming remarks by Eng. Faiz Alelweet, Vice President of CAFS
• “Overview and Major Trends in Licensing Worldwide” – Mrs. Maura Regan, President, Licensing International
• “Understanding Licensing: A Lever for Economic Development” – Dr. Laurent Taieb, President, Licensing International France
• “Licensing in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East” – Mr. Amer Bitar (BBM Licensing) & Mr. Philippe Guinaudeau(BrandTrends Group)
• “Saudi Market – Consumption, Distribution, and Trends” – Mr. Eric Reingewertz, Executive Advisor, Mii Research

Special thanks to Mrs. Maura Regan, Dr. Laurent Taieb, Mr. Amer Bitar, Mr. Philippe Guinaudeau, Mr. Eric Reingewertz, and all participants for their valuable insights and contributions.

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CAFS and Nest Accelerator organize the First Saudi French Edition of the GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERS INNOVATION FORUM in collaboration with the G100 Women Economic Forum

CAFS — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:30:06 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) and Nest Accelerator have launched the GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERS INNOVATION FORUM – Saudi French Edition in Riyadh with the strategic support of the G100 Women Economic Forum, on 7 October at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The event aimed to promote female leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Saudi Arabia and France, aligning with the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to empower women as key drivers of economic diversification and social transformation.

The forum featured keynote speeches, presentations, and experience sharing by Saudi and French women leaders, businesswomen, and entrepreneurs.

Agenda:

Welcoming speech by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of CAFS
Welcome speech by Ms. Lamia Hanafi, CEO & Founder of Nest Accelerator, and President of Startup Ecosystem & Innovation at G100 Women Economic Forum
Welcome speech (Video) by Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Founder of the Women Economic Forum (WEF)
Keynote speech by Mrs. Aljohara Al-Mandil, Head of Digital Innovation Lab, Jeel by Riyad Bank
Keynote speech by Mrs. Alaa Abdulaal, MISK 2030 Leader, and Chief of Digital Economy Intelligence at the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)

Panel Discussion 1

Theme: Redefining Power and Growth: Female Leaders Orchestrating Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Transformation

Moderators:

Ms. Lamia Hanafi, Founder of Nest Accelerator and President of Startup Ecosystem & Innovation at the G100 Women Economic Forum
Mrs. Joy Omoregie, GTM Sales Acceleration Lead – EMEA, AWS GenAI Innovation Centre, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Speakers:

Dr. Safiya Alshibani, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
Mrs. Isabelle Bébéar, Director, Head of International & European Affairs, Bpifrance
Mrs. Hadeel Faranasi, Women Entrepreneurship Team Leader, Monsha’at
Mrs. Mélanie Guilldou, CEO, Lagardère Travel Retail Saudi Arabia
Mrs. Maria Medvedeva, Vice Chairwoman, Skyro, First Female ex General Manager of MasterCard Saudi Arabia & Bahrein

Panel Discussion 2

Theme: Saudi–French Visionary Women Innovators: Engineering Tomorrow’s Global Tech Landscape

Moderators:

Mrs. Abeer Alsaiari, Communication Manager, Engie Saudi Arabia
Mrs. Joy Omoregie, GTM Sales Acceleration Lead – EMEA, AWS GenAI Innovation Centre, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Speakers:

Mrs. Mirna Al Ali, Founder of HerStory & Business Development Director, Rasi Consulting
Mrs. Julie Barbier, CEO & Co-Founder, Merit (Saudi unicorn)
Mrs. Marie-Laure Boulot, Former Director of KAUST Enrichment Programs Office, and Country Manager, Dokever Saudi Arabia
Mrs. Cecilia Pueyo, Founder of Bonjour Saudi
Mrs. Arwa Shafi, Vice President, The Garage

Closing Remarks by Ms. Lamia Hanafi, Founder & CEO of Nest Accelerator and President Startup Ecosystem & Innovation G100 Women Economic Forum, and Mrs. Nour Al Rammah, Director of Government Relations & Public Affairs, Engie Saudi Arabia
Networking Reception

CAFS extends its sincere appreciation to ENGIE for their generous sponsorship and invaluable support, which were instrumental to the success of this event.

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CAFS Organizes the Saudi-French Sports Networking Event

CAFS — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:40:38 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized the Saudi-French Sports Networking Event on 29 September at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

This special occasion welcomed a delegation of French companies visiting the Kingdom as part of their participation in FIBO ARABIA 2025, a major international trade show held in Riyadh.

The event served as a dynamic platform for 50 participants from Saudi and French companies, including the French delegation, operating in the sectors of sports, e-sports, large-scale, and international events, to connect, exchange insights, and explore potential business collaborations.

CAFS extends its sincere appreciation to Ghadarah and Naji Khairan Advocates & Legal Consultants for their generous sponsorship and invaluable support, which were instrumental in the success of this event.

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CAFS Organizes Site Visit to Diriyah for French Delegation from Ameublement Français

CAFS — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:53:11 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a site visit to Diriyah for the delegation of French companies from Ameublement Français (French Living in Motion), participating in INDEX SAUDI ARABIA 2025.

The visit began with a comprehensive presentation of the Diriyah Master Plan, delivered by Mr. Ahmed Waleed Radwan from Diriyah Company and Mr. Abdulaziz Almukadheb, Assistant Manager of Strategic Partnerships and International Relations. The presentation highlighted the vision and progress of this flagship cultural and heritage development project.

Additionally, Mrs. Nada Al Arfaj, Assistant Manager of Vendor Relationship Management, and Mr. Fahad Al Esmail, Procurement Operations Specialist at Diriyah Company, provided an insightful overview and addressed the delegation’s inquiries regarding the procurement process.

Following the presentation, the delegation was welcomed at Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel in the heart of Diriyah, where they enjoyed a guided tour led by General Manager Mr.Fabrice Ducry, followed by a delightful lunch. The visit provided an exceptional opportunity to experience Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, enhanced by world-class hospitality.

We extend our sincere thanks to the teams at Diriyah Company and Bab Samhan for their warm hospitality and invaluable support in making this visit a memorable experience for our French guests.

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The CAFS Participates in the Inauguration of the French Pavilion at INDEX SAUDI ARABIA 2025

CAFS — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:59:34 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) took part in the inauguration of the French Pavilion at INDEX SAUDI ARABIA 2025 on 9 September 2025, held in collaboration with Business France, Team France, and Ameublement Français (French Living in Motion), the professional association representing French furniture and design industries.

The event showcased the strength and creativity of French design, and CAFS’s participation highlighted the growing economic and cultural ties between France and Saudi Arabia in the field of interior design, furniture, and home décor.

The French Delegation:

Representing the excellence of French Living in Motion, the French delegation included prominent industry leaders:

French Living in Motion
- Mrs. Isabelle Hernio, CEO
- Mrs. Lucie Balihaut, Deputy Director International
Ligne Roset
- Mr. Bernard Vinson, Export Director
Fermob
- Mr. François Depaix, Export Director
Gautier
- Mrs. Valérie Brin, Brand International Development
WM88 (Evoluti)
- Mrs. Dionne Fierstone
- Mr. Olivier Beauvois, Export Director
- Mr. Wilfrid Tanter, CEO
Sokoa (BH Intl)
- Mr. Hani Amri, Group Middle East Director
Ego Paris
- Mr. Nicolas Sommereux, CEO
- Mr. Dominique Lafaurie, Sales Representative
Transport ESI
- Mrs. Béatrice Carron, Export Director
Home Spirit
- Mr. François Huchin, Country Director France

The presence of these French brands underscores France’s commitment to promoting design innovation and sustainable living solutions in international markets.

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CAFS Organizes 2nd Edition of the Saudi-French “Art de Vivre” Networking Event

CAFS — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:02:38 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized the 2nd edition of the Saudi-French “Art de Vivre” Networking Event on 8 September at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

This event marked the welcoming of a delegation of French companies from Ameublement Français (French Living in Motion), visiting the Kingdom in conjunction with their participation in INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025.

The event brought together over 150 Saudi and French professionals working in the HORECA, luxury, hospitality, food & beverage, design, culture, tourism, and craftsmanship sectors. It served as a dynamic platform for networking, matchmaking, partnership-building, and exchanging insights between industry leaders and innovators from both nations.

CAFS extends its sincere gratitude to ALOO AL-OULA and LAGARDÈRE TRAVEL RETAIL for their generous sponsorship and invaluable support, which played a pivotal role in the success of this event.

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Visit of the CAFS Delegation to MEDEF International in Paris

CAFS — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:55:48 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) thanks its partner, MEDEF International, for organizing a meeting on 19 June at MEDEF headquarters in Paris. Organised during the CAFS delegation to France (16-19 June 2025), this meeting brought together the CAFS members and French companies to allow networking opportunities. It also gave way to a presentation of the Riyadh World Expo 2030’s masterplan by Mr. Talal Marri, CEO.

Agenda of the Meeting:

Welcome speech by Mr. Gérard Wolf, President of the Task Force Ville Durable, MEDEF International
Discussion with Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of CAFS, on the evolving investment landscape in Saudi Arabia, including major projects, international events, and the localization of industrial manufacturing
Presentation of the Expo 2030 masterplan by Mr. Talal Marri
Exchange of experiences between French and Saudi companies on bilateral partnerships and investments in large-scale projects and strategic sectors
Networking session between French and Saudi companies

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CAFS Delegation Attends Vision Golfe 2025

CAFS — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:11:42 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) to a business delegation to Paris from 16 to 19 June 2025. It participated Vision Golfe 2025, organised by Business France at the French Ministry of Economy in Paris, on 17 and 18 June.

This delegation brought together 40 French and Saudi CAFS members.

Dr. Ben Laden, President of the CAFS, took part in the panel discussion on “Blueprints for 2030: Accelerating Visions Five Years Ahead,” sharing insights on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 achievements and the bilateral Saudi French trade relations.

Vision Golfe 2025 served as a strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration between Gulf and French business leaders. The CAFS delegation held more than 50 B2B meetings over the two-day event, facilitating partnerships and promoting bilateral economic ties.

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CAFS Organizes Gala Dinner in Paris

CAFS — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:20:51 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a Gala Dinner in Paris at Le Pré Catelan on June 16, 2025. The event was held in the presence of H.E. Mr. Laurent Saint-Martin and H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Duaeilej.

The dinner was part of the CAFS delegation’s official visit to Paris, which took place from June 16 to 19. It provided members and partners with a valuable opportunity to exchange insights with institutions and companies. While the discussions spanned a broad range of sectors, particular focus was given to industries linked to international events, tourism, hospitality, sports, and technology.

The evening also served as an exceptional networking platform, bringing together prominent French and Saudi companies, all recognized as leaders in their respective fields.

The CAFS delegation and Gala Dinner were proudly sponsored by Saudi Constructioneers and Saudico Electronic Systems and AlSharif Group Holding (ASG).

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Visit of the CAFS Delegation to the Région Île-de-France

CAFS — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:29:47 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a visit for its delegation to the Région Île-de-France On June 16, 2025,

The objective of the meeting was to explore the experience of organizing the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and to identify potential investment opportunities in France. As part of the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to tour the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis–Pleyel, which provided a valuable occasion to discuss urban development strategies, infrastructure projects, and related business prospects.

Agenda of the Meeting:

Welcome Remarks
By Mrs. Valérie Pécresse, Vice-President of the Région Île-de-France

Presentation: Report on the Organization of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Speakers:

Mr. Patrick Karam, Vice-President of the Région Île-de-France in charge of the Olympic Games
Mrs. Yasmine Camara, Special Delegate to the Olympic Games

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Région Île-de-France and its representatives for their warm welcome and for sharing valuable insights with our delegation.

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CAFS Organizes the SAUDI FRENCH “TECH & DIGITAL” NETWORKING EVENT

CAFS — Wed, 21 May 2025 08:10:48 +0000

The Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS), in collaboration with the French Embassy, organized the Saudi-French “Tech & Digital” Networking Event on May 19, 2025, at the French Residence in Riyadh, with the presence of H.E. the French Ambassador to the Kingdom, Mr. Patrick Maisonnave.

This event, open to CAFS members, served as a platform to bring together representatives from the Saudi and French business communities to foster collaboration, share insights, and explore opportunities in the tech and digital sectors.

Event Agenda:

Welcoming remarks by of H.E. the French Ambassador to the Kingdom, Mr. Patrick Maisonnave.
Welcoming remarks by Dr. Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council
Presentation of the French Tech Program by Ms. Esma Laouadi, Deputy Head of the Economic Department, French Embassy
Presentation on “AI in Europe & France: Strategic Outlook on Investments, Innovation, and Regulation – Key Insights from the Q1 2025 EU Reports & Opportunities for GCC DeepTech Companies” by Dr. Nesrine Padovani, President of Upgradelle CS France, Expert Advisor at the European SMEs Council & Investment Fund (EIC)
Q&A Session
Saudi-French “Tech & Digital” Networking Session

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CAFS Welcomes Delegation from the City of Nice Côte d’Azur (France)

CAFS — Thu, 15 May 2025 12:52:35 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) welcomed a delegation of official representatives from the City of Nice Côte d’Azur (France). The event was held online on May 14, 2025.

The meeting featured a presentation by Mr. Florent Serge Stora, Director of Mission Méditerranée for the City of Nice, on major projects currently being implemented by the City, as well as the opportunities arising from its development policies.

During the meeting, CAFS was represented by its President, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden and Vice President, Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani.

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CAFS Organizes a Webinar – How to Invest in France?

CAFS — Tue, 13 May 2025 12:12:08 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a webinar titled “How to Invest in France?” in partnership with the French law firm Jeantet – Avocats. The event was held online on May 13, 2025.

The session was led by Mr. Ali Baydoun, Counsel at Jeantet and Doctor of Law, and Mr. Gabriel Di Chiara, Tax Partner at Jeantet. Where they discussed key topics including the types of investments in France (greenfield projects, acquisitions, joint ventures), corporate structures, key features of the French tax system, available tax incentives, and the foreign investment screening process.

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CAFS Organizes a Masterclass on “Driving Engagement Through Self-Determination Theory”

CAFS — Thu, 08 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a masterclass titled “Driving Engagement Through Self-Determination Theory” led by Mr. Frédéric Morales. The event was held at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on May 8, 2025.

During the masterclass, Mr. Morales explored how neuroscience and Self-Determination Theory can transform engagement strategies for employees, clients, and partners—directly supporting Vision 2030’s human capital development goals and the Saudization initiative.

During the meeting, CAFS was represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden and Vice President Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani.

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CAFS Welcomes a French delegation on the beauty & wellness sector in collaboration with Business France

CAFS — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) welcomed a French delegation on the beauty & wellness sector in collaboration with Business France at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on 23 April 2025.

The delegation’s visit coincides with their participation in Beautyworld Riyadh 2025, where they are exhibiting at the France Pavilion.

The agenda of the meeting included:

– Welcoming speech by Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice President of the Saudi French Business Council

– Welcoming speech by Mrs. Hager BEN NASR, Regional Trade Development Advisor at Business France (Export)

– Presentation of the Saudi Vision 2030 and of opportunities for French companies on the Saudi market, by Mr. Guillaume REBIERE Chief of Staff of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS)

– Presentation of the legal framework for foreign investors in Saudi Arabia, by Mr. Philippe Fadlalla, Partner at BLK Partners

– Presentation of the rules and regulations to enter the Saudi market, by Dr. Wael Kaadan, Director of Government Relations at Bureau Veritas

– Presentation of MZN Bodycare, by Mrs Muzon Ashgar, Founder & CEO

– Networking coffee break

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CAFS Organizes the Saudi-French “Healthcare” Networking Event

CAFS — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) hosted the Saudi-French “Healthcare” Networking Event on April 22, 2025, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

This event served as a valuable platform for Saudi and French healthcare companies to connect, explore matchmaking opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and innovation in the healthcare sector.

A special thank you to Rowed Medical Services and Symbiose CEG-EX for their generous sponsorship and contribution to making this event possible.

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CAFS organizes a CONFERENCE – “How to beat the impossible?” by Alexandre Mars

CAFS — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:16:13 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) hosted a CONFERENCE – “How to beat the impossible?” in collaboration with Alexandre Mars. The event took place at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on April 17th, 2025.

The conference was delivered by Mr. Alexandre Mars who discussed his drivers, his challenges, failings, learnings, and his aspirations for the future. In his talk, he will invite everyone to reflect on their ability to become agents of change, and to overcome the skepticism inherent in all innovative, avant-garde projects.

During the meeting, CAFS was represented by its Vice President, Eng. Soufyan Al-Kabbani

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CAFS Organizes the 3rd Edition of the Saudi-French Quarterly Networking Event

CAFS — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized the 3rd edition of its Saudi-French Quarterly Networking Event on April 16, 2025, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

This exclusive event was open to CAFS members and brought together representatives from the Saudi and French business communities, along with VIP guests.

THIS EVENT IS SPONRSORED BY ALSAGR INSURANCE, FIRST ABU DHABI BANK (FAB), LAGARDERE TRAVEL RETAIL, SAL

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CAFS Organizes Healthcare Sector Meeting in Paris with the Participation of H.E. the Minister of Health

CAFS — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:42:27 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a meeting focused on the healthcare sector at Business France in Paris on April 15, 2025, coinciding with the visit of His Excellency the Saudi Minister of Health, Mr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, to France.

The event was organized in collaboration with partners of Team France, especially Business France, French Healthcare, l’Ambassade de France en Arabie Saoudite, et le MEDEF International, who greatly contributed to its success.

The meeting was attended by a delegation of CAFS members, representing leading Saudi and French companies in the healthcare sector. It brought together more than 120 professionals of the healthcare sector.

The session explored opportunities for joint cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen strategic partnerships in this vital field, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in developing healthcare infrastructure and encouraging investment in medical technologies.

The agenda of the meeting included:

Welcoming speech by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS)
Welcoming speech by Mr. Didier Boulogne, Chief Operating Officer, Export Division, at Business France
Keynote speech by H.E. Mr. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Keynote speech by Jean-Pierre BOFFY, President of French Healthcare
Panel discussion 1 on “Transformation & Innovation”
- Moderator: Mr. Jean-Pierre BOFFY, President of French Healthcare
Adil M. Monshi, Director General Investment Promotion at the Saudi Ministry of Health
Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf Vaccines at Sanofi
Charles Gorintin, co-Founder and CTO of Alan
Panel discussion 2 on “How to invest in the Saudi healthcare sector”
- Moderator: Mr. Jean-Pierre BOFFY, President of French Healthcare
- Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), and Chairman of BLK Partners
- Etienne Savin, Head of Boosters & Immersion Programs, at Business France Saudi Arabia
- Bassam Hamadeh, President of Bassam Trading and Co-Chair of the CAFS Healthcare Committee
- Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf Vaccines at Sanofi
Q&A with participants
Networking coffee-break

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CAFS Organizes Masterclass in Collaboration with emlyon Business School

CAFS — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 08:30:57 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) hosted a Masterclass titled “Leading Transformation – Mobilizing Initiative, Engagement, and Innovation” in collaboration with emlyon Business School. The event took place at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on April 13th, 2025.

The session was led by Prof. Dr. Rhoad Davidson, who explored how companies can transform challenges into strategic advantages, drawing on global insights and emlyon Business School’s expertise in strategic change, innovation, and corporate intrapreneurship.

CAFS was represented by its Vice Presidents, Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani.

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CAFS Organizes a Webinar on “Latest Trends and Opportunities”

CAFS — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:31:46 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a hybrid event titled “Latest Trends and Opportunities” on 8 April 2025 at the Federation of Saudi Chambers. This event was part of the activities of CAFS’s Healthcare Committee.

The meeting included the following program:

Welcoming speech by Eng. Faiz Al Elweet, Vice President of CAFS
“Decentralized and Hybrid Clinical Trials” by Dr. Nadia Cheaib, President of ClinGroup and Co-Chair of the CAFS Healthcare Committee
“The Important Role of Diagnostics in Pandemic Preparedness – Antimicrobial Resistance Case” by Mr. Alexandre Bustani, Export Strategic Partnership Manager at bioMérieux
“Drug Abuse in 2025: Trends and Innovative Solutions” by Dr. Véronique Petit, CEO of CEGEX-SYMBIOSE
“Healthcare Sector Regulatory Overview – Latest Trends and Opportunities” by Mr. Wissam Hachem, Partner at BLK Partners
Networking coffee break for in-person participants at the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh

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AIR FRANCE TO RESUME DIRECT FLIGHT PARIS-RIYADH

CAFS — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 10:48:46 +0000

Air France will inaugurate a non-stop flight to Riyadh from Paris-Charles de Gaulle on May 19th.

And by June 2nd, 2025, this route will be served five times a week by the Airbus A350-900 with morning departures at 08:40 from Riyadh Terminal 1, with an arrival at 14:20 Charles de Gaulle Terminal 2E.

This is a testament to the deep and growing ties between France and Saudi Arabia with its incredible growth and transformation under Vision 2030.

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CAFS Activity Report 2024

CAFS — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:32:45 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of its 2024 Annual Activity Report.

Thanks to the active support of our members, 2024 was a new milestone for the Saudi French Business Council. Indeed, in addition to a growth of its membership, an unprecedented number of activities and events were implemented, mirroring the development pace of the Kingdom’s economy in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Thanks to your help and to that of all our members, we have managed to implement all the following activities in 2024:

34 events, including 20 networking events, for 1500 participants
2000 direct introductions by email
400 meetings with companies and officials
4 business delegations, giving way to 45 B2B meetings
Launch of 4 sectorial committees (healthcare, digital, defense, tourism)

Moreover, the CAFS now brings together more than 300 members, including 25% of French companies.

For more details on all our activities and achievements in 2024, please download the PDF of our activity report using the links here below

Download the CAFS 2024 Activity Report here:

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CAFS Organizes Masterclass on AI for Energy Optimization in Collaboration with Aramys and Groupe Decima

CAFS — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:36:10 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), in collaboration with Aramys and Groupe Decima, organized a hybrid masterclass on “AI for Energy Optimization” on February 26, 2025, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers. This event was part of the activities of the Saudi French Business Council’s (CAFS) Digital Committee.

The masterclass was led by Dr. Thomas Danel, Head of Research & Development at Groupe Decima, who shared insights on how cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence can drive efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector. This exclusive session provided strategic insights into the latest AI technologies, their potential applications in energy management, and the future of the energy industry.

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CAFS Organizes SAUDI FRENCH “ART DE VIVRE” NETWORKING EVENT

CAFS — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:05:57 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized the SAUDI FRENCH “ART DE VIVRE” networking event at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on February 18th.

The event brought together over 80 participants from Saudi and French companies, as well as professionals from the luxury, hospitality, F&B, design, culture, tourism, and craftsmanship sectors, facilitating matchmaking, partnerships, and exchanges of information.
The CAFS extends its sincere thanks to AIR FRANCE KLM, B TOUCH EVENT, and LAGARDERE TRAVEL RETAIL for their generous sponsorship, which played a pivotal role in the success of this event.

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CAFS Organizes Site Visit to AlFANAR Factory for Delegation from ESSEC Business School Alumni

CAFS — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a site visit to the AlFANAR Factory for the ESSEC Business School Alumni delegation on February 11, 2025.

The visit began with greetings and presentations by Mr. Pascal Hoerter, President, and Mr. Wisam Sulayk, Logistics Manager. This was followed by a tour of the AlFANAR Factory, where the delegation had the opportunity to explore a wide range of low, medium, and high-voltage electrical construction products, EPC solutions for conventional and renewable power plants, as well as allied engineering services and design engineering.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Pascal Hoerter, Mr. Wisam Sulayk, and the entire team at AlFANAR Factory for their invaluable support in organizing this visit.

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CAFS Organizes Site Visit to Diriyah for French Delegation of ESSEC Business School Alumni

CAFS — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:33:31 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a site visit to Diriyah for the ESSEC Business School Alumni delegation on February 10, 2025.

The visit began with a presentation of the Diriyah master plan by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), followed by a tour of the Turaif UNESCO World Heritage site. The group then enjoyed an authentic Saudi culinary experience at Maiz Restaurant, located at Bujairi Terrace.

We extend our sincere thanks to Thomas Wright and the team at Diriyah Company for their invaluable support in organizing this visit.

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CAFS Organizes Site Visit to Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City – Misk City for Delegation for ESSEC Business School Alumni

CAFS — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:33:15 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a site visit to Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City – Misk City for the delegation of ESSEC Business School Alumni on February 10, 2025.

The visit began with an overview of the Visitor Center facilities and Misk City’s model, highlighting key features, benefits, and recent developments. This was followed by an overview of the city’s innovation direction, delivered by Mr. Loay S. Alfi. During the meeting, Mr. Richard de Suremain, CEO of Maison R&F, shared his insights on the challenges and opportunities in the Saudi market.

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CAFS Organizes a meeting on the” Saudi hospitality sector” for Delegation from ESSEC Business School’s Executive Program

CAFS — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:41:09 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a meeting on the ”Saudi hospitality sector” for Delegation from ESSEC Business School’s Executive Program on February 10, 2025, at the Radisson Bu Hotel & Convention Minhal.

During the meeting, Mr. André Saadé, General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Minhal, provided a comprehensive overview of the hospitality sector in the Kingdom, highlighting the key challenges and opportunities facing the industry. He also shared his experiences and expertise in the hospitality field, discussed strategies for success in modern hotel management, and shed light on the future trends of the sector in light of the Kingdom’s accelerating economic and tourism growth.

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CAFS Organizes Site Visit to KAFD Station for Delegation from ESSEC Business School Alumni

CAFS — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 12:56:39 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a site visit to the KAFD Station in collaboration with RCRC and Alstom for the delegation of CEOs who are alumni of ESSEC Business School on February 9, 2025.

The visit began with an overview of the Riyadh metro project presented by RCRC and Alstom representatives, followed by an experience of the metro. This was followed by a tour of the depot facilities, highlighting maintenance and operations, and a walking tour of the KAFD district.

The visit concluded with an authentic Saudi culinary experience at Najd Village Restaurant.

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CAFS Welcomes Delegation from ESSEC Business School Alumni

CAFS — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 06:16:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) hosted a welcoming meeting for a delegation of CEOs who are alumni of ESSEC Business School. The event took place on February 9, 2025, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The delegation, consisting of 25 French CEOs and senior managers, visited Saudi Arabia from February 9-11, 2025, to explore new opportunities for collaboration aligned with the goals of Vision 2030. Their discussions with business leaders focused on building partnerships in sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, technology, and manufacturing, supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy and foster sustainable growth. The visit aimed to strengthen long-term economic ties between Saudi Arabia and France.

The program for the meeting included the following presentations:

Welcoming speech and presentation of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) by Eng. Faiz AlElweet, Vice President of CAFS.
Presentation on the macro-economy of Saudi Arabia by Mrs. Esma Laouadi, Deputy Head of the Economic Department at the French Embassy.
Presentation on the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) by Mrs. Carole Dorgans, Director of Risk Management at PIF.
Presentation on the rules and requirements for exporting to the Saudi market by Dr. Wael Kaadan, Bureau Veritas.
Presentation on the Saudi legal framework for companies by BLK Partners.
Presentation on “Living and Working in Saudi Arabia” by Mr. Vivien Exartier, Executive Director of the Saudi Entertainment Academy (SEA).

The meeting concluded with a working lunch, providing an opportunity for further networking and discussion among the participants.

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CAFS Organizes the Second Edition of the Saudi French Quarterly Networking Event

CAFS — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 09:36:13 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized the second edition of its Saudi-French Quarterly Networking Event on January 22, 2025, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

This event was exclusively open to CAFS members from both French and Saudi companies, with the aim of enhancing collaboration opportunities. It was attended by representatives from the French Embassy and the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF).

THIS EVENT IS SPONRSORED BY ABAN, ALSAGR INSURANCE, FIRST ABU DHABI BANK (FAB), AND LAGARDERE TRAVEL RETAIL.

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CAFS Organizes Masterclass in Collaboration with AutoLex

CAFS — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:06:11 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) hosted a Masterclass titled “Predictive Analytics and Contract Risk Assessment: The Role of Generative AI for Legal Professionals,” in collaboration with AutoLex. The event took place at the Federation of Saudi Chambers and online on December 11th.

The session was led by Benoit Mazzetti, CEO and Founder of AutoLex AI, who provided insights into the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence and contract review, showcasing how recent advancements, including generative AI, are transforming the way legal professionals approach contract management.

The CAFS was represented by its Vice Presidents, Eng. Faiz AlElweet and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani.

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CAFS Organizes a Masterclass in Collaboration with Bureau Veritas

CAFS — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:01:01 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a Masterclass entitled “Saudi Arabia Market Access: Export Rules & Process,” in collaboration with Bureau Veritas. The hybrid event, targeting French companies willing to export their products on the Saudi market, was held on December 5, 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers and on MS Teams.

The session provided valuable insights into Saudi Arabia’s market access and export procedures. Dr. Wael Kaadan, Government Services Manager at Bureau Veritas in Riyadh, delivered the presentation, offering expert guidance on navigating the complexities of the market.

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CAFS President Participates in the Investment Ministry’s Roundtable Meeting

CAFS — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:00:00 +0000

The CAFS president, Dr. Mohamed ben Laden, participated in the roundtable meeting held on the sidelines of the Saudi-French Investment Forum on 3rd December. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Eng. Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Investment, and attended by His Excellency Minister Marc Ferracci, French Minister of Industry, and Mr. Laurent German, President of MEDEF International and co-Chair of CAFS.

The meeting focused on discussing ways to enhance and develop investment relations across various sectors between the two countries.

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CAFS President Participates in the Saudi-French Investment Forum

CAFS — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The CAFS president Dr. Mohamed ben Laden, participated in the Saudi-French Investment Forum organized by the Ministry of Investment on December 3. The forum was held in conjunction with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Saudi Arabia and his meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The forum was held under the theme “Saudi Vision 2030 – France’s 2030 Plan: Mutual Investment through Two Visions,” focusing on the strategic plans of both countries until 2030. The event aimed to discuss bilateral relations, enhance cooperation in various fields, explore available investment opportunities, and address regional and international developments.

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Saudi French Joint Business Council Meeting with MEDEF, CCEF and Business France

CAFS — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council held a Saudi French Joint Business Council Meeting in collaboration with its French partners of MEDEF, CCEF (French Foreign Trade Advisors) and Business France, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers, on December 2nd.

This meeting was organized as part of the official State visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Riyadh. It brought together more than 120 senior executives from both Saudi and French companies, who presented their activities and discussed on how to increase bilateral trade relations and Saudi French business partnerships, within the framework of Vision 2030.

The event was concluded by a friendly networking reception.

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The CAFS Hosts a French Delegation in the Technology Sector in Collaboration with Business France

CAFS — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council hosted a delegation of 18 French companies in the technology sector in collaboration with Business France on December 2, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers. This visit coincided with the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the Kingdom. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance economic ties between the two countries in the field of technology, focusing on key sectors such as smart and sustainable cities, technology, healthcare technology, and water management.

During the meeting the CAFS was represented by its Vice President Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani

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CAFS Organizes Networking Reception for the French Delegation of CCI France UAE

CAFS — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a networking reception for the French delegation of CCI France UAE at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on November 27th.

The event provided a platform for fostering stronger business connections and promoting collaboration between Saudi and French companies. Attendees included members of CAFS from both Saudi and French businesses, creating a valuable opportunity for networking and partnership discussions.

The Saudi French Business Council extends its sincere thanks to Al Sagr Cooperative Insurance Co. for their generous sponsorship, which played a pivotal role in the success of this event.

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CAFS Organizes a Site Visit to KAFD for CCI France UAE Delegation

CAFS — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:51:26 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a visit to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) for the French delegation of CCI France UAE on November 27th.

The visit began with a presentation from Mr. Clément Samson, Head of International Business Development at BIAC , who provided an overview of BIAC’s operations. This was followed by an insightful sharing of experiences by Mr. Edouard Daou, co-founder of Aquisit.

The delegation then toured the PIF Co-Builder, where they had the opportunity to learn about its innovative initiatives. The visit concluded with a walking tour of KAFD, showcasing its cutting-edge architecture and business infrastructure.

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CCI France UAE Delegation Visits The Diriyah Gate Development Authority

CAFS — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:32:09 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council organized a site visit to the Diriyah Gate Development Authority for the CCI France UAE delegation on November 26th.

The visit began with an overview of the Diriyah Giga Project, showcasing the Kingdom’s remarkable development efforts while preserving its rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty. This was followed by an insightful tour of Turaif, where the delegation explored the historic UNESCO-listed Diriyah Fort. The visit concluded with an authentic Saudi culinary experience at Maiz Restaurant, located at Bujairi Terrace.

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CAFS Welcomes French Delegation from CCI France UAE

CAFS — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:18:22 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a French delegation in collaboration with CCI France UAE during the period from November 26 to 28. The visit began with a welcoming meeting on November 26 at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The delegation, which included representatives from seven companies, expressed interest in exploring opportunities across various sectors of the Saudi market. The meeting was attended by CAFS members, as well as representatives from the French Embassy.

The agenda included the following presentations:

Welcoming speech and introduction to the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of CAFS
Overview of Saudi Arabia’s macro-economy by Mrs. Esma Laouadi, Deputy Head of the Economic Department at the French Embassy
Presentation on Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects by Mr. Rachid Boulaouine, Country Director of Business France
Overview of the French Trade Advisors (CCEF) by Mr. Jean-Philippe Bonnet, President of CCEF Saudi Arabia

AM – Presentation of ASFAR and the Saudi tourism sector by Marwa Al-Malik, Director Corporate Communications.

Insight into the Saudi legal framework for companies by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, Managing Partner of BLK Partners
Overview of the Saudi retail sector by H.R.H. Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud, CEO of Al Othaim Culture
Networking luncheon with participants

This meeting served as an important platform for building ties and fostering collaboration between French businesses and their Saudi counterparts.

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CAFS Organizes Masterclass on AI Leadership in Collaboration with ESSEC Business School

CAFS — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:59:26 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council, in collaboration with ESSEC Business School, organized an exclusive Masterclass for its members titled “Leading Change in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” on October 28, 2024, held at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The Masterclass was conducted by Prof. David Sluss, Professor of Management at ESSEC Business School, who shared valuable strategies on the driving and restraining forces in implementing AI innovations within organizations. He also explored how “AI agents” are reshaping leadership and the process of guiding others through change.

The meeting was concluded by a networking session among participants.

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CAFS organizes Healthcare Committee Meeting

CAFS — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:02:38 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a meeting of the Healthcare Committee on October 24, 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the CAFS, as well as by the two Co-Chairs of the Healthcare Committee: Bassam Hamadeh, Chairman of Bassam Trading Company, and Dr. Nadia Cheaib, Founding President of ClinGroup.

The event, attended by 17 companies both online and in person, was exclusively for CAFS members from Saudi and French companies in the healthcare sector. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange and networking, with the aim of enhancing partnership opportunities among member companies. The meeting focused on promoting best practices, fostering business development, supporting healthcare innovation, and advocating for policies that drive sector growth.

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CAFS Organizes a Site Visit to SAL Logistic Platform for ESSEC Delegation

CAFS — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a site visit to the SAL Logistic platform for the ESSEC delegation from the CCI France UAE on October 22, 2024.

The meeting gave way to presentations by Mr. Abdulrahman Alassaf, VP Riyadh Station, and by Ms. Simona Simeonova, Senior Director, Corporate Business Development, at SAL’s office at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The presentation were followed by a site visit of SAL’s logistic platform at Riyadh’s international airport.
The visit provided the delegation with a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia. SAL (Saudi Logistics Services Company) is a leading provider of comprehensive logistics and supply chain solutions, recognized for its innovative, efficient, and integrated services throughout the kingdom. The company boasts expertise in air, sea, and ground transportation, as well as warehousing and freight forwarding.

CAFS extends its special thanks to our member, SAL, for hosting the visit and for their warm hospitality.

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CAFS Organizes a Visit to Signify (Philips Lighting) Factory for ESSEC Delegation

CAFS — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:21:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a site visit to the Signify (Philips Lighting) factory for the ESSEC delegation from the CCI France UAE on October 22, 2024.

During the visit, presentations were delivered by Mr. Amyn ElKourt, CFO, and Mr. Shoukay Ali Rajput, Operations Leader, followed by a tour of the factory. The delegation had the opportunity to discover Signify’ s cutting-edge innovations and sustainable practices in the lighting industry. This visit provided valuable insights into the latest advancements in lighting technologies and their applications across various sectors.

CAFS extends its special thanks to our member, Signify, for hosting the visit and for their warm hospitality.

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CAFS Organizes a Tour of King Abdulaziz Historical Center Project for the ESSEC Delegation

CAFS — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:00:27 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a tourist tour of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center Project, on October 21st, 2024, for the ESSEC Alumni & CCI France UAE Delegation.

The tour began with a visit to King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah), where participants explored the rich history of Saudi Arabia’s founding and the royal family’s legacy. Following that, the group visited the National Museum, where they discovered exhibits showcasing the country’s cultural heritage, archaeological treasures, and historical milestones.

The tour concluded with a visit to Souk Al Zal, one of Riyadh’s oldest traditional markets, carrying over 100 years of history in its alleyways, where participants experienced the vibrant atmosphere of Saudi Arabia’s local culture. The day ended with a traditional dinner at Najd Village, offering an authentic taste of Saudi cuisine.

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CAFS Organizes a Visit to KAFD for the ESSEC Alumni Delegation

CAFS — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:49:10 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a site visit of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), of BIAC, and of the PIF Co-Builder, for the delegation of ESSEC Alumni, in collaboration with CCI France UAE.

This meeting served as an excellent opportunity for participants to gain insights into key developments in Saudi Arabia’s business environment, explore potential investment opportunities, and foster collaboration between French and Saudi entities.

The meeting gave way to the following program:

Presentation of Saudi Giga Projects and business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, by Mr. Rachid Boulaouine, Country Director of Business France
Presentation of the Saudi Retail Sector by Mr. Meeshal Bin Omairh, Group CEO of Al Othaim Investment
Presentation of the Saudi Agrofood Sector by Dr. Wael Kaadan, Government Services Manager, and Mr. Martin Chakhtoura, MSc. BSc., Manager Food and Agriculture, at Bureau Veritas Group
Guided tour of KAFD
End of visit and arrival at the PIF Co-Builder
Presentation of BIAC by Mr. Clément Samson, Head of International Business Development at BIAC
Visit of PIF Co-Builder and discussions with tenants of the incubator

CAFS extends its gratitude to all participants and speackers, and the KAFD and BIAC teams for their warm hospitality and valuable contributions.

The meeting was concluded by a networking lunch with BIAC.

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CAFS Hosts Diriyah Site Visit for a French delegation of ESSEC Business School Alumni

CAFS — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 03:13:34 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a site visit to Diriyah for the ESSEC Business School Alumni delegation, in collaboration with CCI France UAE on October 20, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to explore the Diriyah Giga Project and witness the Kingdom’s remarkable development while preserving its cultural heritage and architectural beauty.

The delegation, accompanied by CAFS representatives, toured the Diriyah project, starting with a visit to the sales center, followed by an insightful tour of Turaif. They also explored the historic UNESCO Diriyah Fort, before enjoying an authentic Saudi culinary experience at Maiz restaurant, located at Bujairi Terrace.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Diriyah Company for their invaluable support in organizing this visit.

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CAFS Welcomes Delegation from ESSEC Business School Alumni in Collaboration with CCI France UAE

CAFS — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 02:39:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) hosted a welcoming meeting, chaired by its President, Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden, for a delegation of CEOs who are alumni of ESSEC Business School. The event, organized in collaboration with CCI France UAE, took place on October 20, 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The delegation consisted of 28 French CEOs and top managers visiting Saudi Arabia from October 19 to 22, 2024, with the aim of exploring the Saudi market across various sectors. They were also keen to understand Saudi culture and the transformative Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and promote sustainability, innovation, and foreign investment.

The program of the meeting included the following presentations:
• Welcoming speech and presentation of CAFS by Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden, President of CAFS
• Remarks on bilateral Saudi-French relations by Mr. Philippe Régis, First Secretary of the French Embassy
• Overview of Saudi Arabia’s macroeconomy by Mrs. Esma Laouadi, Deputy Head of the Economic Department at the French Embassy
• Insight into the Saudi legal framework for companies by Mr. Philippe Fadlalla, Lawyer/Partner at BLK Partners
• Presentation on the Saudi oil & gas sector by Mr. Ahmed Tarzi, Country Chair of TotalEnergies Saudi Arabia
• Living and working in Saudi Arabia by Dr. Vivien Exartier, Member of the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF) Saudi Arabia and CEO of the Saudi Entertainment Academy

The meeting concluded with a working lunch, allowing for further networking and discussion among the participants.

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CAFS Organizes Its First Digital Committee

CAFS — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council organized the first meeting of the Technology and Digital Transformation Sector Committee, represented by its Vice President Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, on October 17th at the of the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The meeting aimed to provide a key platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and fostering partnerships among member companies. It was exclusively open to CAFS members from Saudi and French companies operating in the digital sector.

This meeting gave way to the following program:

- 10:00 AM – Welcoming speech by Eng. Soufyan ALKABBANI, Vice-President of CAFS and CEO of Saudico Electronic Systems
- 10:15 AM – Presentation of the proposed development of the CAFS Digital Committee by Guillaume Rebiere, Chief of Staff of CAFS, covering:
  - Objectives of the committee
  - Organization and governance of the committee
  - Preparation for the election of Co-Chairs
  - Proposed calendar for future activities and events
- 10:30 AM – Open discussion among committee members on the proposed development of the CAFS Digital Committee

11:30 AM – End of meeting and networking coffee break

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CAFS Hosts French Delegation for Security and Cybersecurity Collaboration with Business France

CAFS — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 08:47:45 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), in collaboration with Business France, hosted a French delegation specializing in security and cybersecurity On October 15^th at the Federation of Saudi Chambers. This event was part of the French Security Days initiative organized by Business France on October 13th and 14th.

During the meeting, a presentation on the Qiddiya project was delivered by Mr. Jonathan Webb, Director of Strategy, Planning & Technology, alongside a comprehensive presentation on the Saudi cybersecurity sector by Mr. Mazin Altami, Advisory Services Director at Innovative Solutions.

The meeting was exclusively open to CAFS members engaged in the security and cybersecurity sectors, with the goal of fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships in these key areas.

The meeting was concluded by a networking session among participants.

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CAFS and Aramys France organize Masterclass on “Data Protection”

CAFS — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:09:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council in collaboration with Aramys France, organized an exclusive Masterclass titled *“Data Protection: Key Principles and Compliance Strategies.” The event, designed specifically for CAFS members, took place at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on October 9, 2024.

The Masterclass was led by Eng. Stéphane LEROY, Security & Compliance Auditor at Aramys France, who provided valuable insights into key data protection principles and best practices. The session saw active participation from members of both the French and Saudi business communities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our member, Aramys France, and offer special thanks to Eng. Stéphane LEROY and all participants for their engagement and contribution.

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CAFS Organizes Joint Meeting on the Sports Sector in Collaboration with Business France

CAFS — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 18:31:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a joint meeting on the sports sector, in collaboration with Business France, which took place on October 7, 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

This event provided an opportunity to bring together French companies operating in the sports sector, interested in expanding their activities in Saudi Arabia.

It was also the occasion to discuss the preparation of the Saudi French Sports Days, which Business France will organize in Riyadh on 14 November 2024.

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CAFS Organizes the First Edition of the Saudi French Quarterly Networking Event in Collaboration with BIAC

CAFS — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council , in collaboration with BIAC (owned by the Public Investment Fund), organized the inaugural edition of its Saudi French Quarterly Networking Event on October 7, 2024, at KAFD.

This event was exclusively for CAFS members from both French and Saudi companies, as well as BIAC guests. It provided a unique opportunity for top executives and industry leaders to connect, network, discuss bilateral business opportunities, and explore potential collaborations across various sectors.

The Saudi French Business Council extends its heartfelt thanks to Alkharashi & Co/Mazars, SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co., and AlSagr Cooperative Insurance Co. for their sponsorship, which played a key role in the success of this event.

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Saudi French Business Council hosts the 4th “Team France” Meeting

CAFS — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:27:45 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council hosted the 4th edition of the “Team France” meeting in collaboration with the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Business France, the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF), the MEDEF International, BPI France, and other French organisations, on 12^th September 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The meeting brought together representatives from French organizations to discuss a variety of topics. Key areas of focus included the development of a joint action plan and strategies to bolster cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France across different sectors. Attendees also tackled challenges faced by investors from both nations, aiming to enhance and expand economic and trade relations between the two countries.

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The 4th Edition of the CAFS Membership Directory

CAFS — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 07:36:54 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the release of the 4th edition of its Membership Directory for July 2024. This edition showcases significant growth over the past year, with our membership increasing from 80 to over 270 members, representing French and Saudi companies of all sizes and across a variety of sectors.

The directory enables readers to search for companies either alphabetically or by sector. Notable sectors represented by CAFS members include construction (17%), manufacturing (14%), ICT & Telecoms (16%), finance & insurance (13%), consulting services (14%), supply & equipment (12%), real estate (10%), and trading & distribution (10%), among others.

Please note that this public version of the directory does not provide direct contact information for CAFS members; such details are available exclusively to CAFS members.The CAFS Membership Directory will be updated and published every 6 months.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CAFS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY (July 2024 Edition)

We extend our gratitude to all our members for their trust and are dedicated to fostering strong business connections between Saudi Arabia and France. We welcome companies interested in expanding their operations in Saudi Arabia, France, or vice versa. For more information about CAFS membership.

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The CAFS attends the 2nd edition of Vision Golfe 2024 in Paris

CAFS — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 08:46:56 +0000

More than 30 French and Saudi companies members of the CAFS participated in the 2nd edition of the Vision Golfe 2024, organized by Business France on June 4th to 5th 2024, at the French Ministry of Economy in Paris.

The delegation included:

Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President.
Eng. Faiz AlElweet , Vice-President
Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President.
Mr. Mohammed Al-Amoudi, member of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Zuhair Al-Tunisi, member of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Guillaume Rebiere , Chief of Staff.
Mr. Basem AlHbshi, Relationships Manager, Business Council Affairs.
Mrs. Lamia AlFawzan, Communication Executive.
Mr. Abdulrhman Alsagier, ALWSTAH Company.
Mr. Sulaiman Al-Kharashi, ALKHARSHI AUDITORS MAZARS.
Mr. Ahmed Fageha, ANOTHER FUTURE Company.
Mr. Khaled Alanazi, BETTER GROUP.
Mr. Turki Alkhayyal , Cloud 9.
Mr. Tariq AlShalfan, ENGAGE INTERACTIVE.
Mr. Arsalaan Syed, INTERSTELLAR SOLUTIONS.
Mr. Mohammed Saleh Alamri, INTERSTELLAR. SOLUTIONS
Mr. Hassan Al Jabri , JABRIA INDUSTRIAL BUILDING.
Mr. Abdullah Al-Guaiee, LE MONDE DU CHEVAL.
Mr.Mohammed AlOraini, TAMARI DATES.
Mr. Yann Fajolles, ARTELIA
H.E. Mr. Bertrand Besancenot , ESL&NETWORK
Mr. Benoît Tamalet, ESL&NETWORK
Mr. Matias Gonano, ESSEC BUSINESS SCHOOL
Mr. Mohamed Mabrouk, EY
Mrs. Sossy Ingirkochian, FIRST ABU DHABI BANK
Mr. Jean-Frédéric Vinciguerra, IPARTNER
Mr. Vincent Romet, LAGARDERE TRAVEL RETAIL
Mrs. Rakia Ouertani, LIGHTON
Mrs,Ihsane Elidrissi, STERLING STAMP
Mr. Arnaud Esteves, TMF SAUDI ARABIA
Mr. Jean-Pierre Labry, TTE GULF

This conference represents an exceptional opportunity to enhance trade relations between the Gulf countries and France, allowing participants to explore available opportunities and strengthen cooperation. The conference saw more than 1100 participants from the Gulf countries and French companies, featuring panel discussions and B2B meetings among participating companies.

The CAFS delegation participated in B2B meetings, where more than 50 meetings took place between Saudi and French companies across different sectors during the conference days. These meetings aimed to strengthen cooperation with French companies interested in providing their services in the Saudi market and investing there to transfer and localize technologies for economic growth, while also fostering commercial relations between the two countries.

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CAFS signed MoU with ESL Network in Paris

CAFS — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 18:30:00 +0000

During the visit of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) delegation, the CAFS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ESL Network on June 3, 2024, in Paris.

The objective of this agreement is to boost trade exchange opportunities between Saudi Arabia and France and to fortify economic and commercial relations to benefit the business communities of both countries.

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Welcoming Meeting of the CAFS Delegation in Paris

CAFS — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:16:28 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organised a welcoming meeting for the Saudi members of the CAFS delegation to France, on 3^rd June 2024, at the CAFS office in Paris.

The meeting gave way to fruitful exchange and networking, as well to the signing of a partnership agreement between on the CAFS and ESL&Network.

Participants in the meeting included:

Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President.
Eng. Faiz AlElweet , Vice-President
Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President.
Mr. Mohammed Al-Amoudi, member of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Zuhair Al-Tunisi, member of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Guillaume Rebiere , Chief of Staff.
Mr. Basem AlHbshi, Relationships Manager, Business Council Affairs.
Mrs. Lamia AlFawzan, Communication Executive.
Mr. Abdulrhman Alsagier, ALWSTAH Company.
Mr. Sulaiman Al-Kharashi, ALKHARSHI AUDITORS MAZARS.
Mr. Ahmed Fageha, ANOTHER FUTURE Company.
Mr. Khaled Alanazi, BETTER GROUP.
Mr. Turki Alkhayyal , Cloud 9.
Mr. Tariq AlShalfan, ENGAGE INTERACTIVE.
Mr. Arsalaan Syed, INTERSTELLAR SOLUTIONS.
Mr. Mohammed Saleh Alamri, INTERSTELLAR. SOLUTIONS
Mr. Hassan Al Jabri , JABRIA INDUSTRIAL BUILDING.
Mr. Abdullah Al-Guaiee, LE MONDE DU CHEVAL.
Mohammed AlOraini, TAMARI DATES.

The meeting was concluded by a friendly dinner with all participants.

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CAFS member Saudico Electronic Systems signs a MoU with the French company JEMS

CAFS — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:32:00 +0000

During the CAFS delegation’s visit to Paris, the Saudico Electronic Systems, a member of CAFS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French company JEMS Group, a leader in the fields of Data Analytics, Big Data, and AI, on June 3rd at the CAFS office in Paris.

This agreement entails collaboration in the field of Big Data, Data Analytics and AI, with the goal of transferring and developing technical services, solutions and know how into the Saudi market.

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CAFS Meets with H.E. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to France

CAFS — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 07:30:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), represented by its President, Dr. Mohammed ben Laden, its two Vice-Presidents, Eng. Faiz AlElweet and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, and Mr. Mohammed Alamoudi, member of its Executive Committee, commenced the visit of the CAFS delegation to Paris by meeting with His Excellency Dr. Fahd bin Muayyif Al-Ruwaili, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to France, on Monday, June 3, 2024, at his residence in Paris.

The meeting discussed various aspects, most notably highlighting the role of the private sector and strengthening commercial relations between the two countries in various sectors to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and to work on increasing the trade volume between Saudi Arabia and France.

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First CAFS / GICAN-GICAT Joint Meeting on the Defense Sector

CAFS — Wed, 29 May 2024 08:27:31 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) and the Middle-East CLub of GICAN/GICAT organised their first joint meeting on the defense sector on 28th May 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The CAFS was represented by its Vice-Presidents, Eng. Faiz AlElweet and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani.

GICAT and GICAN, federations of French defense and security companies (land, airland and sea), have been operating in Saudi Arabia since February 2024, during the World Defense Show. GICAT, with 480 member companies, and GICAN, with 260 member companies, are the representatives of French companies in the sector, facilitators for French companies to develop partnership opportunities with local public and private players, and organizers of Eurosatory and Euronaval, which take place this year in France.

A total of 55 persons participated in the meeting: 28 members of the CAFS and of the GICAN/GICAT participated in person at the Federation of Saudi Chambers, and 27 members of the GICAN/GICAT’s Middle East Club attended the meeting online.

This meeting gave way to the following program:

Welcoming speech, by Eng. Faiz AlElweet, Vice-President of the CAFS
Welcoming notes, by Mr. Rayan Hacini, Representative of GICAN/GICAT in Saudi Arabia
Presentation of the GICAN, by Mr. Arnaud Martins da Torre, Head of International Affairs and Export Services at GICAN
Presentation of the GICAT, by Mr. Théo Geandreau, Head of International Affairs and Export Services at GICAT
Presentation of the Saudi legal framework for companies in the defense sector, by Mr. Wissam Hachem, Partner at BLK Partners
Presentation of Eurosatory trade show 2024, which will take place in Paris from 17 to 24 June 2024, by COGES
Introduction and sharing of experience by French and Saudi companies participating in the meeting

The following companies members of the CAFS participated in the meeting:

Airbus
Ali Hussein Alyami & Partner
AlRamly Company
DCI Group

BLK Partner
Innovative Solutions KSA
Interstellar Solutions
Sami Advanced Electronics
MBDA

Thales International Saudi Arabia
SCOPA Military Industries
Nejm smart extensions
Science Technology
Saudi Aerospace Company

The following French companies and organisations members of GICAN/GICAT participated in the meeting:

AFFINIS
AIRBUS DS
AMERIS
ARMTEK
ARQUUS
BUSINESS France
CILAS
CMN
DCI

DRAGO
ELISTAIR
EXAIL
EXOSENS
FIGEAC AERO
GIFAS
ISD
KNDS
MBDA

MONACO MARINE
MUSTHANE
NAVAL GROUP
SAFRAN
SEKOIA.IO
SILLINGER
SOGENA
SOGITEC
THALES

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – Chapter 10: PUBLIC TRANSPORTS &DRIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA By CAFS

CAFS — Wed, 22 May 2024 07:04:15 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the chapter 10 of its Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia on “PUBLIC TRANSPORTS & DRIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA”.

This chapter was written by the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS)

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CAFS Organizes a Masterclass for Its Members in Collaboration with SKEMA Business School

CAFS — Wed, 15 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a Masterclass, “Demystifying Sustainability: New Levers of Value Creation,” in collaboration with SKEMA Business School. The exclusive event, tailored for CAFS members, took place at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on May 15, 2024.

Professor Arnaud Blandin from SKEMA Business School led the Masterclass on sustainability, empowering attendees with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in this evolving landscape. Members from the French and Saudi business communities actively participated, under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden, President of CAFS, with Vice-Presidents Eng. Faiz AlElweet and Eng. Soufyan Al-Kabbani also in attendance.

The meeting was concluded by a networking lunch among participants.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the SKEMA Business School team and express our sincere thanks to Professor Arnaud Blandin and all the participants for their active involvement in ensuring the resounding success of the Masterclass. Such collaborative initiatives play a critical role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting strategic business development between Saudi Arabia and France.

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – Chapter 9: HEALTHCARE: EXPLORING THE SAUDI MEDICAL SYSTEM By International SOS – Al Rushaid

CAFS — Tue, 14 May 2024 13:16:04 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the chapter 9 of its Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia HEALTHCARE: EXPLORING THE SAUDI MEDICAL SYSTEM By International SOS – Al Rushaid

We are grateful to our members, International SOS – Al Rushaid, for their invaluable support in this chapter.

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – Chapter 8: MOBILE & INTERNET SERVICES By Saudico Electronic Systems

CAFS — Wed, 08 May 2024 05:44:50 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the chapter 8 of its Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia on MOBILE & INTERNET SERVICES by Saudico Electronic Systems.

We are grateful to our members, Saudico Electronic Systems, for their invaluable support in this chapter.

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CAFS Membership Exceeds 250 Members

CAFS — Mon, 06 May 2024 12:39:21 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is delighted to announce that it has reached 250 members this week, growing from 80 members in January last year.

These 250 members include 75% Saudi and 25% French companies, of all sectors and sizes. These sectors include construction (17%), manufacturing (15%), ICT & Telecoms (15%), Finance & Insurance (13%), Consulting Services (13%), Supply & Equipment (12%), Real Estate (10%), Trading & Distribution (10%), and various others.

This expansion reflects the opportunities presented by the Saudi Vision 2030 and underscores the mutual interest of both countries in fostering collaborative economic development. Our objective is to further cultivate and enhance the French-Saudi business partnership.

Click here for more information about our members.

Click here to become a member of our community.

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The CAFS Organizes a Conference on REAL ESTATE IN FRANCE with Vendome International Property

CAFS — Thu, 02 May 2024 07:04:50 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a conference entitled “Real Estate in France: Buying, Selling & Managing Your Property” in collaboration with Vendôme International Property. The conference took place on May 1, 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh.

During the meeting, Mr. Khalid Mahmoud, Sales Manager at Vendôme International Property, and Me Bruno Chauvet, Notary Public in France, provided a comprehensive overview of the real estate market in France, highlighting key points and legal aspects related to buying, managing and selling properties in France.

The meeting was concluded by a networking lunch among participants.

Representatives from the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), including its President, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, its Director of External Relations, Mr. Basem AlHbshi, its Chief of Staff, Mr. Guillaume Rebiere, and its Events & Communication Executive, Ms. Lamia AlFawzan, were also in attendance.

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – Chapter 7: BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES By Banque Saudi Fransi

CAFS — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:47:52 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the chapter 7 of its Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia on BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES by Banque Saudi Fransi.

We are grateful to our members, Banque Saudi Fransi, for their invaluable support in this chapter.

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – Chapter 6: Commercial & Residential Real Estate in Saudi Arabia by the CAFS

CAFS — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:31:21 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the chapter 6 of its Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia on “COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE IN SAUDI ARABIA”.

This chapter was written by the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS)

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – Chapter 5: EMPLOYMENT, WAGES & LABOUR LAWS IN SAUDI ARABIA By FNRCO

CAFS — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 05:10:56 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the fifth chapter of its Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia on “EMPLOYMENT, WAGES & LABOUR LAWS IN SAUDI ARABIA”.

We are grateful to our members, FNRCO Group, for their invaluable support in this chapter.

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – Fourth chapter: VISAS & RESIDENT IN SAUDI ARABIA By Business Bridges

CAFS — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 08:44:35 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the Fourthly chapter: VISAS & RESIDENT PERMITS IN SAUDI ARABIA By Business Bridges, in the CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia.

We are grateful to Business Bridges for their invaluable support in this chapter.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – Third chapter: TAXES FOR COMPANIES & INDIVIDUALS IN SAUDI ARABIA By Deloitte Saudi Arabia

CAFS — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:33:47 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the Third chapter: TAXES FOR COMPANIES & INDIVIDUALS IN SAUDI ARABIA By Deloitte Saudi Arabia, in the CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia.

We are grateful to Deloitte Saudi Arabia for their invaluable support in this chapter.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – Second chapter SAUDI FOREIGN INVESTMENT: A GUIDE FOR POTENTIAL INVESTORS By BLK Partners

CAFS — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:38:56 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the Second chapter, ” SAUDI FOREIGN INVESTMENT: A GUIDE FOR POTENTIAL INVESTORS,” by By BLK Partners , in the CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia.

We are grateful to BLK Partners for their invaluable support in this chapter.

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CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia – First chapter “Opportunities for French Companies on the Saudi Market by EY Saudi Arabia

CAFS — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:21:37 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of the first chapter, “Opportunities for French Companies on the Saudi Market,” by EY Saudi Arabia, in the CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia.

We are grateful to EY Saudi Arabia for their invaluable support of this chapter.

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Launch Of the CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia

CAFS — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:48:16 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (#CAFS) is thrilled to announce the official launch of the CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia. This comprehensive guide, meticulously crafted to support foreign investors and their teams in Saudi Arabia, will be released chapter by chapter, providing invaluable advice and practical insights for a seamless entry into the Saudi market. Explore the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 and uncover the dynamic market opportunities that await.

We sincerely thank the sponsors of CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia for their generous support in each chapter:

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CAFS Organises the meeting of “Team France”

CAFS — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:54:56 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council, led by Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden, welcomed a meeting of “Team France,” in collaboration with the French Embassy to Saudi Arabia, Business France, the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF), with the participation of representatives from French organizations on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The meeting was attended by:

Mr.Laurent Saint-Martin – Director General Business France
Mr.Axel Baroux – Director Sub-Saharan Africa Business France
Mr.Rachid Boulaouine – Country Director Saudi Arabia Business France
Mr.Samuel Ménard – Head of the Economic Department of the French Embassy
Mr.Frank Barbaro – Senior Liaison Officer at Agence Française pour le Développement d’AlUla
Dr.Turki Aljedani – Dr. Mohammed AlSanosi & Partners Lawyership & Legal Consultation
Mr.Philippe Corbel – Partner – United Continents
Mr.Yanis Marsa- Trade Advisor – Industry & Cleantech
Mr.Charles-Marie Mondon – Chief of Staff

The meeting led to discussions about the aspects of cooperation between all the French organizations and partners of Team France, including the CAFS, highlighting the challenges facing investors from both countries, with the aim of developing economic and trade relations between France and Saudi Arabia.

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CAFS President Meets with Saudi Commerce Minister During Visit of French Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Minister

CAFS — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:33:32 +0000

Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council, participated in the meeting with His Excellency Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi, the Minister of Commerce, during the visit of His Excellency the Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness of France, Mr. Franck Riester.The Ambassador of the French Republic to the Kingdom Mr. Ludovic Pouille also participated in the meeting on March 5, 2024.

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CAFS President participates in roundtable meeting of Ministry of Investment

CAFS — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 10:15:52 +0000

The CAFS was represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, during the roundtable meeting organized by the Ministry of Investment. with the presence of His Excellency, Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, and His Excellency, the Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness of France, Mr. Frank Riester, along with a delegation of French companies of MEDEF International and Business France, and companies members of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

The meeting focused on ways to enhance investment relations and strengthen efforts to develop economic ties between the two countries.

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CAFS Organises the Saudi French Business Networking

CAFS — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 13:16:46 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a Saudi French Business Networking under the chairmanship of Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden, with the presence of Mr. Laurent Germain, the Co-Chair of the CAFS. This meeting was held as part of the annual regional meeting of the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF) in collaboration with the CCEF, the MEDEF International, Business France, and the French Embassy to Saudi Arabia. The meeting took place on March 4 at the DoubleTree by the Hilton Hotel.

This meeting was the first of its kind and represented a milestone in Saudi French relations, with the attendance of over 300 participants from both Saudi and French business communities, including more than 100 members of the CAFS.

This event also gave way to the official launch of the CAFS’ Newcomer’s Guide to Saudi Arabia, which will be released chapter by chapter in the coming weeks.

The Saudi French Business Council extends its sincere thanks to t Al-Sharif group Holding, Platinum sponsor, and to the First Abu Dhabi Bank, Gold sponsor, for their support which contributed to the success of this event.

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The CAFS Collaborates with CCEF to organize the Annual Regional Meeting of French Foreign Trade Advisors

CAFS — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:23:42 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is very pleased to collaborate to the organisation of the annual regional meeting of the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF), which brings more than 100 top French managers from 3 to 5 March, in Riyadh.

Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, its President, was invited to present the CAFS and its activities during the opening meeting, on 3^rd March morning.

The CAFS will also organise a Saudi French Networking event on 4^th March, at 4 PM, to bring together the CCEF, the delegation of MEDEF International, CAFS members and representatives of French and Saudi institutions.

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CAFS welcomes a Business Delegation of CCI France Liban

CAFS — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 09:49:30 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) held a welcoming meeting chaired by its President, Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden, for a delegation from CCI France Liban, on February 26, 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers. The meeting was attended by His Excellency the French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ludovic Pouille, who gave an overview of the relations between the Kingdom and France. Mr. Samuel Ménard, Head of the Economic Department at the French Embassy, also presented an overview of the Saudi economy and Vision 2030.

Following that, Mr. Bassem Hamada, CEO of Bassam Trading (BTC), presented a comprehensive overview of the hospitality and healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia.

Following the meeting, a detailed session about the investment conditions for foreign companies in the Kingdom was presented by representatives of BLK Partners; Mr. Ziad Al-Khouri, CEO, Mr. Wissam Hashem, and Mr. Jeff Green.

This meeting brought together more than 60 participants from Saudi and French companies that are members of CAFS. The delegation included representatives from 40 companies of various sizes and sectors, all interested in expanding their activities in the Kingdom. The delegation was led by Mr. Maxence Duault, President of CCI France Liban, and Mrs. Marie Hélène Héry, Director of CCI France Liban.

The meeting was concluded by a working lunch among the participants.

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The Third Edition of the CAFS Membership Directory

CAFS — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:40:31 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is delighted to announce the release of the third edition January 2024 of its Membership Directory.

This edition reflects a remarkable increase over the past year, with our membership growing from 80 to over 210 members. These members encompass 50 French companies and 160 Saudi companies of all sizes, operating across diverse sectors.

The document allows readers to search for companies by alphabetical order or by sector. The main sectors in which the CAFS members operate are construction (18%), manufacturing (15%), ICT & Telecoms (15%), Finance & Insurance (13%), Consulting Services (15%), Supply & Equipment (12%), Real Estate (11%), Trading & Distribution (16%), and many others.

This public version of the membership directory doesn’t provide direct contacts of the CAFS members, which is only available to CAFS Members.

The CAFS Membership Directory will be updated and published every 6 months.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CAFS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY (January 2024 Edition):

Download Brochure

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CAFS receives a French delegation on cybersecurity sector in cooperation with MEDEF International

CAFS — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:33:42 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden, hosted a delegation of French companies in the field of cybersecurity in cooperation with The Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF International), on February 15, 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The delegation included 12 French companies interested in cooperative opportunities in the cybersecurity field in the Kingdom. The meeting was attended by members of the Saudi French Business Council from Saudi and French companies.

During this event, The CAFS was represented by Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council, Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet, Vice-President, and by Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President. The MEDEF International was represented by Mr. Philippe GAUTIER, CEO.

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Executive Committee Meeting of the Saudi-French Business Council

CAFS — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:48:22 +0000

The Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS) held a meeting of its Executive Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Mohammed ben Laden, the President of the Saudi-French Business Council, on February 1, 2024 at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

At the beginning of the meeting, the president delivered an opening speech, welcoming the members of the Executive Committee and emphasizing their importance in supporting the CAFS and its activities.

Following that, Engineer Faiz Al-Elweet , Vice President of the Saudi-French Business Council and Mr. Guillaume Rebière, Chief of Staff of CAFS, presented the annual activity report 2023, highlighting the achievements and figures attained by the CAFS during the past year. Among these achievements were the organization of more than 30 events and an increase in the number of members from 80 to 200 members. The financial report of the CAFS and the proposed action plan for the year 2024 were also reviewed.

For more details on all our activities and achievements in 2023, please download the PDF of our activity report using the links here below.

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The CAFS Organizes a Conference: ‘Saudi Arabia: The Next Tourist Hub’ in collaboration with ASFAR

CAFS — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:13:28 +0000

The Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS) organized a conference titled “Saudi Arabia: The Next Tourist Hub” in collaboration with ASFAR, the Saudi Tourism Investment Company, wholly owned by the Kingdom’s sovereign Public Investment Fund. The conference was held on February 1, 2024, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The conference was delivered by Dr. Fahad Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, who provided insight into Saudi Arabia’s tourist investment strategy and uncovered valuable opportunities and prospects within the tourism sector. This conference brought together French and Saudi professionals who are interested in the tourism sector. The event concluded with a networking luncheon among participants.

Representatives from the Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS), including its President, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, Vice-Presidents Eng. Faiz AlElweet and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Director of External Relations Mr. Basem AlHbshi, Chief of Staff Mr. Guillaume Rebiere, and Events & Communication Officer Ms. Lamia AlFawzan, were also in attendance.

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CAFS publishes its 2023 Annual Activity Report

CAFS — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:32:43 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the publication of its 2023 Annual Activity Report.

Thanks to the active support of our members, 2023 was a new milestone for the Saudi French Business Council. Not only has the CAFS opened its doors to French members, but it has also recorded an impressive growth of its Saudi members.

In addition, an unprecedented number of activities and events were implemented, mirroring the development pace of the Kingdom’s economy in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

The results speak for themselves:
• Our membership has come from 80 to more than 200 members, including 20% of French members.
• We organised 30 events for more than 1,200 participants.
• Our team made more than 500 direct introductions between French and Saudi companies.
• And we organised more than 30 individual B2B meetings for companies participating in business delegations.

For more details on all our activities and achievements in 2023, please download the PDF of our activity report using the links here below.

Download the CAFS' 2023 Annual Activity Report

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CAFS and ESSEC BUSINESS SCHOOL organise Masterclass on “When Building a Brand Is a Strategy,”

CAFS — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 09:05:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organized a Masterclass, “When Building a Brand Is a Strategy,” in collaboration with ESSEC Business School. The exclusive event, tailored for CAFS members, took place at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on December 13, 2023.

The Masterclass was led by Professor Ashok Som, a distinguished faculty member at ESSEC Business School, who offered valuable insights into strategic brand building to the participants. The session garnered the active engagement of members from both the French and Saudi business communities.

The CAFS was represented by its President, Dr. Mohamed BEN LADEN, and by Eng. Soufyan Al-Kabbani, Vice-President.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to ESSEC Business School, a recent addition to the CAFS community, and express our sincere thanks to Professor Ashok Som, ESSEC Business School, and all the participants for their active involvement in ensuring the resounding success of the Masterclass. Such collaborative initiatives play a critical role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting strategic business development between Saudi Arabia and France.

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CAFS’ President Speaks at Symposium “France 2030 – Vision 2030 – Towards Energy & Industry Transformation

CAFS — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:07:23 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council, chaired by Dr. Mohammed bin Laden, participated in the Symposium “France 2030 – Vision 2030 – Towards Energy & Industry Transformation”, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and His Excellency the French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ludovic Pouille.

The event was organized in collaboration with Business France under the patronage of the National Industrial Development & Logistics Program. During the forum, Dr. Mohammed Ben Laden delivered a speech to the attendees and addressed a message to French investors to encourage their investment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also highlighted the reforms announced by the Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Finance, the General Authority of Zakat and Tax, and the Customs Authority one day ago, which include a 30-day tax incentive package aimed at supporting the regional headquarters attraction program for international companies. Additionally, he emphasized the role of the Saudi French Business Council, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Investment, as well as the French Embassy and Business France in supporting French investors interested in investing in Saudi Arabia.

On this occasion, the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) was represented by its President, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, its Vice-Presidents, Eng. Faiz AlElweet and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, its Director of External Relations, Mr. Basem AlHbshi, and its Chief of Staff, Mr. Guillaume Rebiere.

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CAFS meets the Business France’s Business Delegation in the Energy and Industry Sectors in Riyadh

CAFS — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 14:03:15 +0000

The Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS) met with a French business delegation in the energy and industry sectors in conjunction with the Symposium “France 2030 – Saudi Vision 2030: Towards Energy and Industry Transformation”, organized by Business France. The meeting took place at the Federation of Saudi Chambers on December 5, 2023.

Approximately 40 companies from both France and Saudi Arabia participated in the event, providing a platform for companies to showcase their expertise and explore opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.

The meeting concluded with a networking reception, allowing participants to engage in valuable interactions

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CAFS and ESL & Network organise the French Healthcare Day in Riyadh

CAFS — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:55:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) and ESL & Network collaborated to launch the French Healthcare Day on 4th December 2023, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers, in Riyadh.

This event, which brought together more than 150 participants, was organised with the support of the French Parliament, the French Embassy to Saudi Arabia, Business France, BPI France, Rivington, and Medef International, which represented participated in the meeting.

The French delegation coming from France included elected members of the French Parliament, as well as 40 French companies operating in the healthcare sector, who met with representatives of the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia, of the French Embassy, more than 50 members of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS).

The meeting gave way to the following program:

Opening remarks by Dr. Ben Laden, President on the CAFS
Opening remarks by H.E. Dr. Ibrahim AlOmar, Assistant Deputy Minister for Transformation, Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia
Opening remarks by H.E. Deputy Mrs. Amelia Lakrafi, President of the French Saudi Friendship Group of the French Parliament
Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Ludovic Pouille, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Bertrand Besancenot, Senior Advisor of ESL & Network
Presentation of “Investing in Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare” by Dr Adel Munshi, Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia
Presentation by Mrs. Alexia, Perouse, CEO of Ibionext
Presentation by Mr. Sam Amory, Managing Director of Dedalus Middle East
Q&A session
Business lunch among participants
Pitch session by French and Saudi healthcare companies followed by a networking session

The French Healthcare Day also gave way to the signature of three cooperation agreements to enhance collaboration in the healthcare sector between the two countries.
These agreements were:

A cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Health and Dedalus company for cooperation in the field of health information technology and hospital management
A MoU between the Advanced Electronic Company (AEC) and Dedalus,
A MoU between Al Olayan Company and Dedalus, focusing on the private sector.

Finally, the French Healthcare Day also resulted in the membership application of Dedalus to the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), which was officially signed during the event at the Federation of the Saudi Chambers, in presence of officials and delegates.

On this occasion, the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) was represented by its president, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, its vice-presidents, Eng. Faiz AlElweet and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, its Director of External Relations, Mr. Basem AlHbshi, its chief of staff, Mr. Guillaume Rebiere, and its events & communication officer, Ms. Lamia AlFawzan

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Hospitality & Tourism Sector Committee CAFS &CCI France UAE

CAFS — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:26:36 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce the launch of the Hospitality & Tourism Sector Committee in collaboration with CCI France UAE. The CAFS was represented by Vice-President Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani in this groundbreaking initiative held on November 22, 2023. The event witnessed active participation from approximately 35 prominent companies from both Saudi Arabia and France.

A highlight of the gathering was the enlightening presentation delivered by Mr. Bastien Blanc, the esteemed CEO of TroKadero Hospitality Global. Mr. Blanc provided a comprehensive overview of the hospitality sector within the Kingdom, emphasizing the significance of knowledge exchange and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

This event marks a step forward in strengthening ties and fostering collaboration within the realms of tourism and hospitality between Saudi Arabia and France. The enthusiastic participation and insightful discussions at the meeting serve as a testament to the potential for fruitful partnerships and synergies within these thriving industries.

We would like to express our gratitude to Mrs. Sophie Lecointre-Dufour from CCI France UAE for her collaboration, and to the speaker, Mr. Bastien blanc, for the insightful presentation. We also extend our thanks to all the participants for their active engagement

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CAFS & CCI France UAE organized a French Business delegation in Riyadh

CAFS — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:45:50 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is delighted to announce our recent collaboration with CCI France UAE. We put together a business delegation, linking seven innovative French companies seeking new opportunities with potential Saudi partners. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, unlocking the potential for robust French-Saudi business partnerships.

Our esteemed delegates included:

Mrs. Reena SEETOHUL from ACENSI
Mrs. Veronique Bezou from Creadora
Mr. Pascal Dufour from Digital Virgo
Mr. Yassine Hilmi from Motivum
Mr. Ziad Obeid from Obeid & Partners
Mr. Jean-Serge Ngouma from PI Services
Mr. Martin Berekbaum from PRODEX AEROSPACE SOLUTIONS
Mrs. Agnes Lopez Cruz and Mrs. Maud Martinot-Lagarde representing CCI France UAE.

Our fruitful three-day visit consisted of an inaugural meeting at the Federation of Saudi Chambers, honored by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Ludovic Pouille, Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, of Mr. Waleed Al-Orainan, Secretary General of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, and of the vice presidents of CAFS, Eng. Faiz Al-Alweet and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani. Following this, our delegates gained valuable insights into Saudi Arabia’s ongoing development through visits to Ad Diriyah and Al Bujairi. Special thanks go to Mr. Daniel West, Mr. Paul Pring, and Mrs. Areej Sharif. The day was concluded with a networking dinner at a local Saudi restaurant at Al Bujairi Terrace. The next day followed first with a site visit of CAMCO East Depot, and a presentation of the Metro Riyadh project. Special thanks to Mr. Loic Cordelle, Mr. Malangou Seyadou, and Mr. Saeed Al-Zahrani. The second day was concluded by an exclusive networking reception for CAFS members, generously sponsored by International Aramoon. On the second and third day, our delegates participated in productive B2B meetings organized for each company by the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) with French and Saudi companies operating in the Kingdom.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and positive contributions to this delegation. Here’s to a flourishing French-Saudi business partnership! We eagerly anticipate more successful delegations in the future.

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ESSEC Business School offers 20% discount to CAFS Members

CAFS — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 13:28:59 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is pleased to announce that ESSEC Business School, a top French French business school ranked #6 worldwide in Executive Education by Financial Times 2022, is offering an exclusive 20% discount to CAFS Members for all the open programs (EMBA, Executive masters, certificates, short programs and online programs).

Our members, can also benefit of 20% discount in all the In-company training formula: you can train a group of employees (15 minimum) whenever and wherever you choose. Simply select the short program that corresponds to your specific needs and Essec faculty will deliver the same content on their campus in Paris or Singapore or in your company

For more information please contact:
Mr. Matias GONANO
Director of Marketing & Business Development
nibal.elkadi@essec.edu

Catalog of all programs:

Executive Master in Digital Transformation:

Brochure of short programs:

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CAFS organises a Networking reception for the French delegation of CCI France UAE

CAFS — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:54:59 +0000

The CAFS and CCI France UAE successfully organized a networking reception, providing a priceless opportunity for the French Business Delegation and both the Saudi and French business communities to interact within the CAFS members’ circle. The event was honored by the presence of CAFS representatives Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet, Vice-President, and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President.The reception served about 40 French and Saudi companies to unite Saudi and French industry giants from wide-ranging fields, sparking not only innovative dialogues but also set the stage for potential future collaborations.

We are delighted and proud to contribute to strengthening the business relationships between Saudi Arabia and France across diverse sectors. Conducting such events is a key part of our approach towards achieving this objective.

A big thank you to International Aramoon Co. Ltd. for their valuable sponsorship of this event.

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CAFS organises a visit of CAMCO’s East Depot for CCI France UAE’s business delegation

CAFS — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 06:27:48 +0000

On 7th November, the delegation and representatives of the CAFS visited the CAMCO East Depot. The meeting included a presentation of Metro Riyadh and a site visit.

We would like to especially thank representatives of RATP Dev and CAMCO for their support and hospitality:

Mr. Loic Cordelle, CEO of Camco
Mr. Malangou Seyadou, Operations Manager at Camco
Mr. Saeed Al-Sanamah, Director of Stakeholder and Communication PR

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CAFS organises site visit of Diriyah for French delegation of CCI France UAE

CAFS — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:04:00 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organised sites visits to offer the opportunity to French companies participating in the delegation of CCI France UAE to discover some of the large projects in Riyadh.

On 6th November 2023, the delegation and representatives of the CAFS visited the Diriyah project? The event included a presentation of the master plan, a site visit of the construction site, and a tour of the sales center. Then they took a tour of the historical fort of Diriyah, before enjoying Saudi gastronomy at Maiz restaurant, at Bujairi terrace.

We would like to especially thank representatives of the Diriyah Company for their support in the organisation of this visit:

Mr. Daniel West, Delivery Engagement Associate Director
Mrs. Areej Sharif, Delivery Engagement Associate Director
Mr. Paul John Pring, Technical Infrastructure Executive Director
Mr. Ludovic Piniello, Hospitality Asset Manager

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CAFS welcomes a French delegation of CCI France UAE

CAFS — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:31:28 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organised a meeting to welcome a French delegation of CCI France UAE, on Monday 6 November 2023, from 9 am to 12 pm, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh.

The CAFS was represented by Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet, Vice-President, and by Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President.

The delegation of CCI France UAE includes:

Agnès Lopez Cruz – Managing Director of CCI France UAE
Maud Martinot Lagarde – Senior Project Manager at CCI France UAE
Reena Seetohul, Managing Director of Acensi
Véronique Bezou, Founder of Creadora
Pascal Dufour, Vice-President MENA of Digital Virgo
Yassine Hilmi, Co-Founder of Motivum
Ziad Obeid, Managing Partner of Obeid Partners
Jean-Serge Ngouma, CEO of PI Services
Martin Berekbaum, Managing Director of Prodex

This meeting, which brought together more than 60 participants, gave way to the following program:

Welcome speech by Mr. Waleed Al-Orainan, Secretary General of the Federation of Saudi Chambers
Welcome remarks by Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet, Vice-President of CAFS
Presentation of Franco-Saudi relations by H.E. Mr. Ludovic Pouille, Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia
Presentation of the Saudi Arabian economy and Vision 2030 by Mr. Samuel Ménard, Economic Advisor of the French Embassy
Presentation of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) by Mrs. Carole Dorgans, Director Risk Management, and by Mr. Philippe Carette, Director of MENA Investment

The event was concluded by a networking luncheon among participants.of

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CAFS receives AFEX delegation of French architects with Business France

CAFS — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:58:56 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) welcomed a delegation of 80 French architects and professionals members of AFEX (Architectes Français à l’Export) and organised by Business France, on 31st October 2023, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The CAFS was represented by Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet, Vice-President, and by Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President, who introduced the CAFS, its activities and the benefits offered to members.

The meeting also gave way to a presentation of AFEX, by Mrs. Madeleine Houbart, General Secretary, and to a presentation of New Murabba project, by Mr. Faisal Almassaad, Development & Design Management Senior Manager, and Mr. Faisal Alsarhan, EPMO & Stakeholder Management Manager, at the New Murabba Development Company (NMDC).

The meeting was concluded by a networking reception among the participants.

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CAFS President speaks during ESL & Network’s conference in Paris on the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia

CAFS — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:37:26 +0000

Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), participated on 31st October 2023, in the conference organised by ESL & Network with ADIT in Paris, on the opportunities offered to French companies by the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia.

On this occasion, Dr. Ben Laden presented the incentives and reforms implemented by Saudi Arabia to attract foreign investors. He also presented the services proposed by the CAFS.

The event, which gather around 40 representatives of French companies, took place in the presence of H.E. Dr. Faha Al Ruwaily, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to France, and of Mrs. Amélia Lakrafi, Elected representative member of the French General Assembly and President of the France-Saudi Arabia Friendship Group at the French Parliament.

It gave way to a presentation of the Saudi Vision 2030 by H.E. Mr. Bertrand Besancenot, Senior Counselor at ESL & Network and former French Ambassador in Saudi Arabia, and to a presentation of the opportunities in the Saudi healthcare sector by Mr. Benoît Tamalet, ESL & Network.

During the event, it was announced that a French delegation in the healthcare sector would go to Riyadh in December 2023.

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Healthcare Sector Committee CAFS &CCI France UAE

CAFS — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 11:51:27 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council is delighted to announce the launch of the Healthcare Sector Committee in collaboration with CCI France UAE. This groundbreaking initiative, held on October 26, 2023, aims to unite approximately 20 esteemed French and Saudi companies in the healthcare industry.

The committee’s primary objective is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and ideas, ultimately enhancing cooperation and driving innovation in the healthcare sector between Saudi Arabia and France.

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EY France delivers conference on the attractiveness of French market for the CAFS

CAFS — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 05:40:58 +0000

Mr. Eric Fourel, President of EY France, and Mr. Mohamed Mabrouk, Partner at EY France, came to Riyadh, on 25 October 2023, to deliver a conference on “France at the forefront today. How about tomorrow?” to CAFS members and other French and Saudi companies, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) was represented by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President, Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet, Vice-President, and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President.

This conference brought together more than 40 French and Saudi professionals, eager to learn more about the positive environment and the incentive that France offers to foreign investors. The event was concluded by a networking luncheon among participants.

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CAFS’ President presents opportunities offered by Saudi Arabia at CCI France Liban’s event

CAFS — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:12:34 +0000

Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the CAFS, represented the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) during the round table organised by CCI France Liban and ESA in Berut, on 29th September 2023, on “The opportunities of the Saudi market” from a Lebanese perspective.

During this event, which brought together 100 participants, Dr. Ben Laden made an online presentation of the reforms implemented by Saudi Arabia since the launch of the Saudi Vision 2030 in 2016, the giga projects of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), and of the opportunities offered to foreign investors.

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CAFS’ President speaks at Business France’s Saudi Maritime Days

CAFS — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 10:20:24 +0000

2023-09-25- Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) gave opening remarks at the Symposium “French-Saudi Maritime Days”, organized by Business France, under the patronage of the Saudi Port Authority, in Al Khobar, on 25th September 2023. He presented the CAFS role in developing bilateral economic relations and in supporting Saudi and French companies.

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Presidents of CAFS and of French Foreign Trade Counselors meet to discuss collaboration

CAFS — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:29:21 +0000

Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), and Mr. Jean-Philippe Bonnet, President of the French Foreign Trade Counselors (CCEF) in Saudi Arabia, met at the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh, on 20th September 2023, to discuss future collaborations between the two organisations.

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CAFS and ESSEC BUSINESS SCHOOL organise Masterclass on “Negotiation and Partnership Building”

CAFS — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:05:07 +0000

The highly anticipated Masterclass on “Negotiation and Partnership Building”, organized exclusively for CAFS members by ESSEC Business School, concluded with great success on Wednesday, 19 September 2023.

This masterclass was delivered by Prof. Aurélien COLSON PhD MBA is professor of political science at ESSEC Business School (Paris) and Director of the Institute for Research and Education on Negotiation (IRENE Paris, Singapore & Brussels).

This Masterclass proved to be a remarkable opportunity for participants to enhance their negotiation skills and foster partnerships in the world of business also kicked off with a comprehensive overview of negotiation strategies, providing participants with invaluable insights into effective communication, persuasive techniques, and understanding the dynamics of different negotiation scenarios.

The CAFS extends its sincere gratitude to ESSEC Business School for their collaboration and expertise in delivering this exceptional Masterclass. Furthermore, CAFS expresses appreciation to all participants for their active engagement and contribution, making the event a resounding success.

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CAFS Delegation Participates in the French Healthcare Innovation and Business Forum in Paris

CAFS — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:18:54 +0000

We are delighted to announce that the Council of Saudi French Business CAFS has actively participated in the highly anticipated French Healthcare Innovation and Business Forum. This remarkable event, organized by French Healthcare Association with the support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Business France.

The French Healthcare Innovation and Business Forum provided an exceptional platform for CAFS to showcase Saudi Arabia’s potential and initiatives in the healthcare industry. By leveraging the forum’s networking opportunities, the delegation interacted with key industry players, forged valuable connections, and explored potential collaborations to drive growth and transformation in both countries.

Throughout the event, CAFS delegates actively shared their expertise and insights during, meeting B2B, presentations, and workshops. By contributing to knowledge exchange and engaging in thought-provoking conversations, the delegation aimed to further enhance their understanding and keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in the healthcare sector.

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) was officially represented by Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President.

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15% off on HEC Paris Degree Programs

CAFS — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:17:21 +0000

HEC PARIS is offering a 15% corporate discount to CAFS membership enrolling on one of the degree programs available in Riyadh and Qatar beginning in 2023 and 2024:

Executive MBA Program (EMBA), Riyadh/Doha
Specialised Masters in Strategic Business Unit Management (SBUM), Doha
Advanced Management Program (AMP), Doha/Riyadh
Certificate in Healthcare and Management, Doha/New York

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10% promotion with Samuda on online purchase

CAFS — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 07:02:04 +0000

10% OFF ON ALL SAMUDA ONLINE PURCHASE

Samuda pays homage to the culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia with signature designs and elegant products made exclusively from the highest possible quality of materials and the finest finishes.

PROMO CODE (to be used on checkout): CAFS10

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Looking for office space – 5 to 10 persons

CAFS — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 06:54:04 +0000

A French digital/IT company is looking for a 5-10 person office space in Riyadh.
Please contact us if you wish to be introduced to them.

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Looking for office space – 200 to 300 sqm in Northern Riyadh

CAFS — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 06:52:36 +0000

A French engineering company is looking for office space of about 200 to 300 sqm in Northern Riyadh.
Please contact us to be introduced to them.

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Join CAFS’ private group for Members

CAFS — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:53:11 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) has just launched its private group for members on Linkedin. This group is for CAFS Members only. Its objectives are: – Allowing members to contact each other directly – Allowing members to share important news about their companies – Sharing exclusive business information – Sharing matchmaking opportunities – Sharing promotions for members – Sharing invitations to events and meetings

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CAFS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY – MEMBERS EDITION

CAFS — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:29:12 +0000

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) published the first edition of its Memberhsip Directory in July 2023. The members’ edition provide directs contacts of other members to allow you to contact each other and extend your business network.

THIS EDITION IS FOR CAFS MEMBERS ONLY, PLEASE DO NOT SHARE WITH THIRD PARTIES.

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CAFS members exhibit at Index / Hotel & Hospitality Expo 2023 in Riyadh

CAFS — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:29:13 +0000

2023-09-10 – The following members of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) are exhibiting at the Index Saudi Arabia / Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia, taking place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, in Riyadh, from 10th to 12th September 2023:

Saudico Electronic Systems & i-Oasis – Hall 2 – 2C161
Ateliers de France / Daniele Décor – Hall 3 – 3D318
Maison R&F – Hall 3 – 3D349

INDEX Saudi Arabia is the Kingdom’s premier interior design, furniture and fit-out trade event where interior brands meet interior designers, retailers, distributors and fit-out contractors.

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY EXPO provides a unique opportunity for key suppliers to connect with decision-makers seeking innovative products and services for upcoming hospitality projects. The expo serves as the perfect platform to unveil breakthrough product launches and showcase cutting-edge solutions.

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HEC Paris delivers masterclass for PIF and CAFS Members

CAFS — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:35:32 +0000

2023-04-2023 – HEC Paris, the French business school ranking n°1 in the world for executive education, organised a Masterclass for the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Members of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), at the PIF Tower in Riyadh.

This Masterclass on “Empowering Organizations: Redesigning Management Models for Success in a Dynamic World” was delivered by Professor Sebastian Becker, Associate Professor of Accounting and Management Control at HEC Paris, and gave way to productive discussions with the participants.

HEC Paris, a Member of the CAFS, has signed a partnership with the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) to offer preferential rate to other CAFS members for its degree programs available in Riyadh and Qatar.

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Launch of the CAFS Membership Directory

CAFS — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:05:27 +0000

2023-07-23 – The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is proud to launch the first edition of its Membership Directory.

The July 2023 public edition presents the 170+ members of the CAFS, which are Saudi companies (80%) and French companies (20%) of all sizes and operating in all sectors.

The document allows readers to search for companies by alphabetical order or by sector. The main sectors in which the CAFS members operate are: construction (16%), manufacturing (15%), ICT & Telecoms (14%), Finance & Insurance (13%), Consulting Services (13%), Supply & Equipment (12%), Real Estate (10%), Trading & Distribution (10%), and many others.

This public version of the membership directory doesn’t provide direct contacts of the CAFS members, which will be made available to CAFS Members only.

The CAFS Membership Directory will be updated and published every 6 months.

Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you wish to be introduced to some of our members directly.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CAFS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY (JULY 2023 EDITION):

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INTERVIEW – Mr. Jean-Frederic Vinciguerra, Director of Operations of iPartner, on BFM Business

CAFS — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 07:47:24 +0000

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CAFS Vice-Presidents meet the French Minister for Energy Transition

CAFS — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 06:51:02 +0000

2023-07-08 – CAFS’ Vice-Presidents, Eng. Faiz AlElweet and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, represented the Saudi French Business Council during the reception given by H.E. Mr. Ludovic Pouille, Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, on the occasion of the visit of the H.E. Mrs. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French Minister for Energy Transition, and introduced the CAFS and its activities to her.

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CAFS delegation meets with CCI France International, IdVerde and ESSEC Business School, and visits Le Bourget Air Show

CAFS — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 06:51:00 +0000

2023-06-22 – The delegation of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) took place between 19 to 21 June 2023. In addition to organising the CAFS meeting and participating in MISA’s France Saudi Investment forum on June 19, the CAFS delegation took part in several business meetings and site visits in order to discuss partnerships and benefit from the experience of several French companies.

First, on June 19, the Executive Committee of the Saudi French Business Council met with Mr. Arnaud Vaissié, President, and Mr. Charles Maridor, General Delegate, from CCI France International, at the end of the France Saudi Investment Forum organised in Paris by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. This meeting aimed to discuss future collaboration, as well as ways to support French companies willing to invest and operate in Saudi Arabia.

The CAFS was represented by the following members of its Executive Committee:

Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of CAFS and Managing Partner of BLK Law Firm
Eng. Faiz AlElweet, Vice-President of CAFS and Chairman of International Aramoon
Mr. Mohammed Alamoudi, Vice-President of Saudi Bricks
Mr. Abdullaziz Alahmadi, Co-Founder of Upskills
Mr. Basem AlHbshi, Director of External Relations of CAFS
Mrs. Pascale Abdallah, Interpreter
Mr. Guillaume Rebière, Chief of Staff of CAFS

On June 20, the CAFS delegation including the following members, participated in site visits:

Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President
Eng. Faiz AlElweet, Vice-President of CAFS and Chairman of International Aramoon
Mrs. Nouf Alghamdi, Chairwoman of Chief Outsiders Consulting Group
Mr. Mohammed Alamoudi, Vice-President of Saudi Bricks
Mr. Abdullaziz Alahmadi, Co-Founder of Upskills
Mr. Abdulrahman Alsagier, CEO of Alwstah
Mr. Salim Saassouh, Business Development Manager of Armada Holding
Mr. Christophe Sanchez, CEO of iPartners
Mr. Basem AlHbshi, Director of External Relations
Mrs. Pascale Abdallah, Interpreter
Mr. Guillaume Rebière, Chief of Staff

They first visited IdVerde, a European leader in grounds maintenance and landscape creation, which has been selected to work on several projects in Saudi Arabia, including in AlUla. Members of the CAFS were met by Mrs. Salima Saa, Executive Vice-President Business Development, for presentations of idVerde’s projects and expertise followed by a friendly networking luncheon.

Then, they visited the campus of ESSEC Business School in La Défense district, where they were welcomed by Prof. Jérôme Barthélémy, Executive Vice-President and Dean for Post-Experience Program, Mr. Christophe Grand Chavin, Executive Education, and Mrs. Baptistine Mazzetto, Corporate Programs Designer. Prof. Jérôme Barthélémy delivered a masterclass on strategy and offered copies of his latest book “Myths of strategy” to the participants. The masterclass was followed by a friendly networking coffee break.

Finally, on June 21, members of the CAFS delegation visited Le Bourget Air Show, the largest professional air show in the world, where they had meeting with representatives of GACA, SAMI, Riyadh Airports, Thales, DCI Group, Riyadh Air, and other exhibitors.

The CAFS delegation was concluded by the Saudi French Aerospace Gala Dinner, which took place on the evening of June 21 at Le Pré Catelan.

Meeting with CCI France International (19 June 2023)

Visit of idVerde (20 June 2023)

Visit of ESSEC Business School at La Défense (20 June 2023)

Visit of Le Bourget Air Show (21 June 2023)

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CAFS organises Saudi French Aerospace Gala Dinner in presence of H.E. Minister AlSwaha

CAFS — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:23:00 +0000

2023-06-21 – The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organised the first Saudi French Aerospace Gala Dinner, on June 21, at Pré Catelan, in presence of H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Amer AlSwaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission.

This event took place during Le Bourget Air Show and aimed to celebrate the deep partnership between France and Saudi Arabia in the aerospace industry, and to offer networking opportunities to the French and Saudi companies who participated in the dinner, all leaders in their sectors.

This celebration gave way to keynote speeches by:

Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the CAFS;
H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Amer AlSwaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission;
Mr. Laurent Saint-Martin, CEO of Business France;
Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI).

It was attended by the following personalities:

H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Amer AlSwaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission;
H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Alduailej, Head of the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) and other representatives of GACA;
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi, Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission;
Mr. Mohammad Saleh A Alathel, Deputy Governor for Military Acquisition of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and other representatives of GAMI;
Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI) and other representatives of SAMI.

The event brought together 160 guests, Saudi and French officials and representatives of authorities, as well as Saudi French companies of the aerospace sector, including: Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Saudi Space Agency (SSA), Saudi General Authorities for Military Industries (GAMI), Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, French Senate, Business France, Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI), Thales, DCI Group, Air Liquide, Airbus, CAE, Lacroix Défense, Graviton, Hemeria, Loft Orbital, MBDA, Naval Group, Nexter, Orange, Prométhée, Safran, SeaOwl, Sodern Arianegroup, and so on.

This unique and exceptional event was sponsored by:

Saudi Space Agency
Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI)
Thales
DCI Group
VLS Events Technology

MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

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CAFS delegation participates in the France Saudi Investment Forum 2023 in Paris

CAFS — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:42:55 +0000

2023-06-19 – The CAFS delegation brought together 25 member companies which attended the France Saudi Investment Forum organised by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia in Paris, on 19th June.

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) was officially represented by:

Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden President
Eng. Faiz AlEweet, Vice-President
Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President
Mr. Basem AlHbshi, Director of External Relations
Mr. Guillaume Rebiere, Chief of Staff

The Investment Forum followed the CAFS meeting organised in collaboration with MEDEF International, Institut Choiseul, and the Saudi Ministry of Investment.

H.E. Mr. Khalid Al-Faleh, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, and of H.E. Mr. Olivier Becht, French Minister of External Trade, Attractiveness and French Expatriates, both presided the event, which was attended by many officials and representatives of the Saudi and French authorities.
It gave way to ministerial-level panel discussions, exchanges of MoUs and agreements, conferences and panel discussions with companies and representatives of the private sector.
Please download the program of the event here below.

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The CAFS holds its meeting in France with H.E. Mr. Al-Faleh and H.E. Mr. Becht

CAFS — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 17:28:15 +0000

2023-06-19 – The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) held its meeting in Paris, on 19th June 2023, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Khalid Al-Faleh, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, and of H.E. Mr. Olivier Becht, French Minister of External Trade, Attractiveness and French Expatriates.

The meeting was organised in collaboration with the MEDEF International, the Institut Choiseul, and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. It brought together more than 100 companies from France and Saudi Arabia.

The agenda of the meeting was the following:

9.00 am – Welcoming speech by Mr. Laurent Germain, Co-President of the CAFS;
9.05 am – Opening speech by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the CAFS (please see link to download the speech here below);
9.10 am – Presentation of the Note Saudi Arabia 2.0 by Dr. Pascal Lorot, President of the Institut Choiseul (please see link to download the Note Arabie 2.0 here below);
9.20 am – Presentation of the new strategy of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) and of the new services offered to French companies;
9.30 am – Q&A session with participants;
9.55 am – Closing remarks by H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Faleh, Saudi Minister of Investment, and by H.E. Mr. Olivier Becht, French Minister of External Trade, Attractiveness and French Expatriates.

During the Q&A session several French and Saudi companies shared their successful experiences with bilateral business partnerships, and invited all French companies present at the meeting to come to invest in Saudi Arabia.

This message was also shared by H.E. Mr. Al-Faleh, who invited French companies to develop their operations in the Kingdom and to join the Saudi French Business Council, since it is open to foreign entities.

The meeting was followed by the France Saudi Investment Forum organised by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia.

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CAFS’ President speaks at business lunch organised by H.E. Minister of Commerce

CAFS — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:03:00 +0000

2023-06-19 – Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the CAFS, participated in the business lunch organised by H.E. Mr. Majid AlKassabi, Minister of Commerce of Saudi Arabia, at the Hôtel d’Evreux, in Paris, on June 19, 2023.

This event, which was hosted on the occasion of the presentation of Saudi Arabia’s candidacy to organize the World Expo 2030, under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”, brought together 30 personalities, including representatives of the French authorities and elected members of the French Parliament, of the private sector, of French cultural organisations, and of foreign embassies based in France.

On this occasion, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), gave a keynote speech to support the candidacy of Riyadh to host the World Expo in 2030.

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CAFS President meets the Chairman of Ateliers de France

CAFS — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 17:38:41 +0000

203-06-15 – Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), met with Mr. Antoine Courtois, Chairman of Ateliers de France, at their headquarters in Paris.
Ateliers de France is the very embodiment of the excellence of the French know-how.

Ateliers de France is member of the CAFS through the company Daniele Décor, based in Bahrain, which is now expanding its activities in Saudi Arabia: https://cafs.org.sa/team/daniele-decor/

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CAFS delegation visits Vivatech in Paris

CAFS — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:32:05 +0000

2023-06-16 – A delegation of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) visited Vivatech trade show in Paris (France) on 15th and 16th June.
The delegation included the following members of the CAFS’ Executive Committee:

Eng. Faiz AlElweet, Vice-President
Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice- President
Mr. Basem AlHbshi, Director of External Relations

The visit included meetings at the Invest Saudi pavilion, as well at the iOasis booth, a French company specialised in training using virtual reality.

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CAFS Vice-President gives interview to CNBC during Vision Golfe 2023

CAFS — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:43:07 +0000

2023-06-14 – Eng. Faiz AlElweet, Vice-President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) gave an interview to CNBC Arabia, during Vision Golfe 2023, an event organised by Business France on 13th and 14th June 2023, in Paris (France).

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The CAFS attend and speak at Business France’s Vision Golfe 2023

CAFS — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:58:43 +0000

2023-06-13 – The CAFS participated in the Vision Golfe 2023 event organised by Business France on 13th June 2023, at the French Ministry of Economy in Paris.

The Saudi Business Council (CAFS) was represented on this occasion by members of its Executive Committee, including:
• Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President
• Eng. Faiz AlElweet, Vice-President
• Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, Vice-President
• Mr. Basem AlHbshi, Director of External Relations
• Mr. Guillaume Rebière, Chief of Staff

On this occasion, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the CAFS, participated in the panel discussion on “Doing Business in the Gulf countries, a successful Vision for global economy”. He presented the many reforms implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attract and ease foreign investments in the country, as well as the many opportunities offered to French companies by one of the fastest growing markets in the world.

This forum, which was organised by Business France, brought together hundreds of participants from all Gulf countries and from France. It gave way to keynote speeches, panel discussions, conferences and B2B meetings.

The CAFS would like to congratulate Business France for this successful event which illustrates the deep friendship and economic partnership between France and Saudi Arabia.

For more information on the event, please visit: https://event.businessfrance.fr/vision-golfe-en/

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CAFS President participates in the Vision Golfe’s reception at the French Senate

CAFS — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:31:00 +0000

2023-06-14 – Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), participated in the reception given by Senator Olivier Cadic, at the French Senate, on the occasion of Vision Golfe 2023.

On this occasion, Dr. Ben Laden met with Senator Olivier Cadic, Senator Lucien Stanzione, both members of the France – Saudi Arabia Friendship Group, as well as with H.E. Mr. Fahad Al-Ruwaily, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to France.

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The CAFS participates in the meeting with H.E. Mr. AlKhoraryef in Paris

CAFS — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:24:53 +0000

2023-06-12 – The CAFS was represented by its President, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, by its Vice-President, Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, and by Mr. Basem AlHbshi, Director of External Relations, at the meeting organised by the MEDEF International for the visit of H.E. Mr. Bandar I. Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Paris (France). This meeting gave way to discussion on the opportunities offered by the Saudi Vision 2030 to French companies willing to invest in the Kingdom, especially in the mining and logistics industries. H.E. Dr. Fahad Al Ruwaili, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to France, also attended the meeting, as well as representatives of French companies.

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The CAFS meet the ESSEC Business School in Riyadh

CAFS — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:39:00 +0000

2023-06-07 – The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) was represented by its Vice-Presidents, Eng. Faiz AlElweet and Eng. Soufyan AlKabbani, to receive a delegation of the ESSEC Business School, one of the leading business schools in France and in the world.

The delegation of ESSEC included:

Professor Cedomir Nestorovic – Professor of International Marketing and Geopolitics, and Director of the ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA Asia-Pacific
Mr. Bastien Blanc – ESSEC Alumni in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Mrs. Baptistine Mazzetto – Corporate Programs Designer

Several members of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) participated in the meeting, which gave way to a presentation of the CAFS by its Vice-President, Eng. Faiz AlElweet, to a presentation of the ESSEC Business School, and to a short masterclass by Professor Cedomir Nestorovic on Geostrategics.

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CAFS exceeds 150 Members in May 2023

CAFS — Tue, 30 May 2023 07:38:39 +0000

In less than 5 months, the number of members of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) has increased from 80 in 2022 to more than 150 Members in May 2023.

And it is continuously growing!

CAFS members are companies of all sizes and are distributed as follows as of today: 84% Saudi, 14% French, and 2% of other nationalities.

The number of French companies joining our organisation is in constant growth.
Currently, the main represented industries are manufacturing, finance, construction, ICT, supply and equipment, consulting services, real estate, transport and logistics, engineering, and many others.

The CAFS is where the Saudi and French business meet.

So, don’t wait! Join our business community to develop your activities with us.

Please visit our website to learn about our Membership packages or contact us by email for more information.

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H.E Mr. Raffarin, former French Prime Minister, participates in the CAFS’ Saudi French Networking

CAFS — Thu, 25 May 2023 10:54:23 +0000

25 May 2023 – The Saudi French Business Council held a Networking event which gathered more than 100 representatives of the French and Saudi business communities.

This event was organised in collaboration with the French Embassy.

In his welcoming speech, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council, informed the audience that non-Saudi members can now join the CAFS and described the services offered to the members.

Mr. Ludovic Pouille, the French Ambassador, gave a snapshot on the bilateral relations.

H.E. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister praised the reforms implemented in Saudi Arabia. He commented on the Kingdom’s efforts in maintaining peace in the region.

Finally, Eng. Faiz AlElweet, Vice-President of the CAFS, concluded the meeting with a presentation of the CAFS’ future action plan.

The meeting was followed by a friendly networking cocktail offered by Saudico Electronics Systems and Oryx Data Incubator.

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France remains the most attractive country in Europe in 2022

CAFS — Thu, 11 May 2023 07:43:43 +0000

The number of foreign investments announced in Europe in 2022 (5,962) is up by 1% compared to 2021.

With 1,259 establishments or extensions announced in 2022, France retains first place in the European ranking for the fourth consecutive year.

This is a real performance that confirms the momentum which accelerated in 2017, despite the economic difficulties caused by the geopolitical crisis.

In addition, the number of projects announced in France increased by +3% compared to 2021.

For more information, please download the Ernst & Young report here:

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Eid Mubarak

CAFS — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:29:45 +0000

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CAFS participates in meeting between Federation of Saudi Chambers and French Ambassador

CAFS — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 07:38:23 +0000

2nd April 2023 – The CAFS was represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden during the meeting between the President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, Mr. Hassan Al-Huwaizi, and the French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. Ludovic Pouille, which led to discussion on how to increase the volume of trade and investment between the two countries.
Mr. Hussein Alabdelkader Seceretary General, Mr. Basem Al-Bbshi Executive Director, Mr. Waleed AlOrainan, as well as Mr. Laurent Estrade Head of the Economic Department of the French Embassy, and Mr. Rachid Boulaouine Country Director of Business France Saudi Arabia, also participated in the meeting.

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CAFS President participates in SAMI’s 5th Anniversary

CAFS — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 04:11:27 +0000

The CAFS, represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, congratulated Mr. Walid Abu Khaled, President of SAMI, Executive Member of CAFS, in the presence of Mr. Mohammed Al-Athel Vice Governor of GAMI, during the gala celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Saudi Defence Champion.

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ClinGroup Euromed speaks at the CCFA’s French Arab Summit

CAFS — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 05:20:10 +0000

Dr. Nadia Cheaib, Chairwoman of ClinGroup Euromed, participated as a speaker in the panel discussion on “Arab health ecosystem challenges in time of crisis”, during the 4th France-Arab Countries Economic Summit organised by the Chambre de Commerce Franco Arabe (CCFA) in Paris.

As a scientific #socialenterprise, she highlighted the importance of consideration for:
1. #socioeconomic fluctuations
2. #political and #refugees conditions and diseases migration and outbreak
3. #authorities #leadership policies in terms of #2030vision and #sdgs , requiring major #health reforms and #capacitybuilding
4. #lifestyle impacting incidence increase in #ncds
5. #synergy of #bigdata in #medicalresearch
6. #current authorities discussion of #mutual recognition procedures

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Ramadan Kareem

CAFS — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:46:01 +0000

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Brochure on CAFS Membership

CAFS — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:00:24 +0000

Please download our brochure to learn more about our Membership packages, as well as on the benefits, services and advantages that we offer our Members.

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CAFS’ President participates in the inauguration of VR Park i-Oasis in France

CAFS — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 05:51:06 +0000

16 March 2023 – Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), Mr. Sulaiman AL SULAIMAN and Mr. Bassem Al-Hbshi participated in the inauguration of the First Training Multiverse, organized by i-Oasis in the Paris region, in the invitation of its founder and President, Mr. Abdoul Hafid BenAmer.

i-Oasis is a virtual reality park dedicated to training. This new innovative tool will provide a different type of training and help promote gender equality in employment and access to employment for all, and reduce school failure. It will improve teaching methods and provide new opportunities for future generations.

For more information, please visit: i-oasis.fr

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CAFS members speak at PIF Private Sector Forum

CAFS — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:35:24 +0000

15 March 2023 – Eng. Ziyad Alshiha, CEO of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), and Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), eminent members of Executive Committee of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), participate today in the panel discussion on the “Role of the private sector in developing emerging sectors”.

Mr. Soufyan Alkabbani, CEO of Saudico Electronic Systems and Vice-President of the CAFS, also attended the event, to participate as official representative of the Saudi French Business Council.

This panel discussion took place during the Private Sector Forum organised by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Riyadh, on 14 and 15 March 2023 at the Four Season Hotel. The two-day event, the first of its kind, focuses on PIF’s efforts to support and enable the private sector to unlock opportunities and further diversify the economy by investing in new sectors, enhancing competitiveness, increasing local content, and creating new jobs, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Officials, representatives of 50 PIF portfolio companies, and more than 4,000 private sector participants from all sectors are expected to participated in the forum.

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President of CAFS speaks at 4th France-Arab Countries Economic Summit in Paris

CAFS — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:55:08 +0000

15 March 2023 – Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), participated in the 4th France-Arab Countries Economic Summit, organised by the French-Arabic Chamber of Commerce (CCFA), in Paris, on “A partnership to be strengthened in a world in crisis”.

Invited as a speaker on the 3rd sectorial panel discussion on “Sustainable cities and large projects of tomorrow”. Dr. Ben Laden presented an update on the GIGA projects implemented by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), as well as other projects of interest for French companies in Saudi Arabia.

He also shared advice on the recipes of success for French companies which would like to invest and operate in Saudi Arabia.

This event was organised under the patronage of the French President of the Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, in partnership with the MEDEF International, the Union of Arab Chambers, Business France, CCI France, and the CPME.

It brought together more than 300 participants and delegations from France and 15 Arab countries.

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SAMI, SIRC meet to discuss collaboration

CAFS — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:38:49 +0000

09 March 2023 – Mr. Ziyad Al-Shiha, CEO of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), hosted a meeting with Eng. Waleed Abu Khaled, CEO of the Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI), at the SIRC headquarters, to discuss opportunities of cooperation between their two companies, which are both members of the CAFS.

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CAFS meets business delegation from Belgium and Luxembourg

CAFS — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:32:17 +0000

06 March 2023 – The Federation of Saudi Chambers hosted a trade delegation from Belgium and Luxembourg headed by Mr. Pascal Grégoire, Ambassador of Belgium to the Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Qaisar Hijazin, Secretary General of the Arab-Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC). The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of CAFS from the Saudi side, and it was attended by the Vice President Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet. The delegation was organized by the ABLCC, the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency and the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. It included 80 companies and organizations. Presentations were made by the visiting delegation. Then from the Saudi side, an explanation was made about the Life Program in the Saudi Vision 2030, as well as a presentation on the Agricultural Development Fund.. The meeting was followed by a networking.

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Meeting between CAFS and CCFA

CAFS — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 08:23:20 +0000

01 March 2023 – Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), had the pleasure and honour of hosting a meeting with Eng. Abdulhakeem Al-Khalifa, Secretary General of the French Arab Chamber of Commerce (CCFA), to discuss future collaboration between the two organisations.

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INTERVIEW – Mr. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, CEO of the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO), on Socrates podcast

CAFS — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:27:23 +0000

28 February 2023 – Mr. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, CEO of the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO), and member of the Executive Committee of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), was a guest of the Socrates podcast.

In this interview, Mr. Al-Hogail explained that SAPTCO is a state-owned transportation company aiming to provide safe, reliable, and affordable public transportation options for the people of Saudi Arabia. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, SAPTCO has been committed to improving the quality of life for all residents, since its creation in 1979.

Currently, SAPTCO operates over 1,500 buses across the country, providing convenient and efficient transportation to thousands of commuters every day. In Riyadh alone, SAPTCO operates over 100 bus routes, with plans to expand even further in the near future.

In 2019, the company reported a revenue of SAR 2.7 billion (USD 720 million) and a net income of SAR 277.9 million (USD 74.1 million).

But SAPTCO isn’t stopping there. The company has ambitious plans to improve its existing infrastructure, in partnership with the French company RATP, by introducing new buses equipped with the latest technology and by increasing the frequency of bus routes, in order to transport 90 million people per year in the future.

It is also working on the development of the Riyadh metro network, which will serve 40 stations in the coming years. Two fully automated lines will be operated by the CAMCO, a joint venture between SAPTCO (20%) and the French company RATP (80%).

The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) is proud to count Mr. Al-Hogail as one of the members of its Executive Committee and thanks SAPTCO for its continuous support. We also believe that great synergies exist with other French companies for future cooperation to meet the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.

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INTERVIEW – Mr. Ziyad Al-Shiha, CEO of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) on Bloomberg

CAFS — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:20:22 +0000

28 February 2023 – Mr. Ziyad Al-Shiha, CEO of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), and member of the Executive Committee of the Franco-Saudi Business Council (CAFS), was the guest of Bloomber Asharq to present the future of the recycling sector in Saudi Arabia.

He explained that until now, less than 5% of waste was recycled, and that this sector should be supported by everyone in the country. Indeed, the fact that 95% of waste goes to landfill constitutes a loss of potential income as well as a danger to the environment.

This is precisely why the SIRC was created, to realize the vision of His Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, with the ambitious goal of diverting 100% of municipal solid waste from landfills in order to achieve 81% recycling. and 19% energy production from this waste.

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CAFS wishes you a Happy Founding Day 2023

CAFS — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 08:16:28 +0000

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CAFS, Egis, meet H.E. Dr. Faisal F. Alibrahim, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning, in Paris

CAFS — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 08:11:14 +0000

15 February 2023 – The CAFS was represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, during the meeting between H.E. Dr. Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr. Fahd Al-Ruwaili Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the French Republic, and Mr. Laurent Germain CEO of Egis, and Co-Chair of the CAFS.

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CAFS organises General Assembly to discuss new development strategy

CAFS — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 08:02:38 +0000

13 February 2023 – The CAFS held a meeting of its Executive Committee, followed by a General Assembly meeting, both chaired by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden.

Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet CAFS Vice-President, and Guillaume REBIERE, Chief of Staff, gave presentation of the CAFS development strategy and action plan for the coming 3 years.

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CAFS, French Ambassador, meet H.E. Dr. Faisal Al-Ibrahim, Saudi Minister of Economy & Planning

CAFS — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000

13 February 2023 – The CAF was represented by its President, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, during the meeting between H.E Mr. Ludovic Pouille Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, and HE Dr. Faisal Al-Ibrahim, Minister of Economy & Planning of Saudi Arabia, on the eve of his visit to Paris.

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Mr. Khalid Alhogail, CEO of SAPTCO, awarded French Légion d’Honneur

CAFS — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 07:55:54 +0000

13 February 2023 – The CAFS was represented by its President, Dr. Bin Laden, during the award of the Legion of Honor by Mr. Ludovic Pouille, Ambassador of France in Saudi Arabia, to Mr. Khalid Alhogail, CEO of SAPTCO and President of the Association International Public Transport, and member of the CAFS Executive Committee.

Le CAFS était représenté par son Président, Dr. Ben Laden, lors de la remise de la Légion d’Honneur par Mr. Ludovic Pouille, Ambassadeur de France en Arabie Saoudite à Mr. Khalid Alhogail, CEO de SAPTCO et Président de l’Association Internationale des Transports Publics, et membre du Comité Exécutif du CAFS.

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CAFS President meets H.E. Mrs. Colonna, French Minister of Foreign Affairs

CAFS — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 07:42:43 +0000

02 February 2023 – The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) was represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, during the reception given at the French Residence on 2nd February 2023 by H.E. Mr. Ludovic Pouille, Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia, for the visit of Mrs. Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Mrs. Colonna emphasised on the strong friendship and economic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France. Thanks to H.E. Mr. Pouille for inviting several members of the CAFS’s Executive Committee, and thanks to Mrs. Colonna for mentioning and praising the part that the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) plays in deepening the ties between the companies of both countries.

Mrs. Colonna emphasised on the strong friendship and economic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France.

We thank H.E. Mr. Pouille for inviting several members of the CAFS’ Executive Committee, and we thank Mrs. Colonna for mentioning and praising the part that the Conseil d’Affaires Franco Saoudien (CAFS) plays in deepening the ties between the companies of both countries.

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CAFS participates in bilateral meeting during visit of French Minister of Economy, H.E. Mr. Lemaire

CAFS — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 07:50:11 +0000

29 January 2023 – The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, participated in the bilateral meeting in Riyadh between H.E. Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al Kassabi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, and H.E. Mr. Bruno Le Maire, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.

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CAFS round table with French Foreign Trade Minister, H.E. Mr. Olivier Becht

CAFS — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:04:00 +0000

20 December 2022 – The President of CAFS and some of the members attended the Saudi-French round table hosted by His Excellency Engineer Khaled Al-Falih, Minister of Investment in Saudi Arabia, which included French companies during the visit of H.E. Mr. Oliver Becht, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Citizens Abroad, to discuss economic cooperation between the two countries.

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INTERVIEW: French minister affirms France’s commitment to increase, diversify investments in Saudi economy

CAFS — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 06:10:00 +0000

Arab News en Français met with Minister for Foreign Trade, Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad Olivier Becht on the eve of his first visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss his program, which will strengthen Saudi-French economic and commercial ties.

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2218271/saudi-arabia

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CAFS meets H.H. Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz Al Mogrin

CAFS — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 07:34:44 +0000

07 December 2022 – Within the activities of the CAFS’s executive team visit to Paris, the President of CAFS, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, and his two deputies, Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet and Eng. Soufyan Al-Kabbani, visited the headquarters of the Saudi’s permanent delegation to UNESCO and met with the Saudi’s permanent representative in Paris, Her Highness Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz Al Moqrin, in the presence of the Executive Director of the Business Council of the Federation of Saudi Chambers.
During the meeting, they discussed how to collaborate and unify efforts in supporting the Kingdom’s hosting of the Expo 2030.

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Saudico Electronic Systems signs MoU with Oryx Data

CAFS — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:30:00 +0000

06 December 2022 – Saudico Electronic Systems (SES) and Oryx Data signed a MoU on 6th December 2022 in Paris, in the presence of Dr. Mohamed BEN LADEN, President of the #CAFS.

SES, a Riyadh-based IT services and solutions provider, and Oryx Data, a French-based technology provider in the field of IoT, Big Data, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence solutions, agreed to enter in a business partnership to offer Saudi Arabian companies, both in the private and public sectors, solutions in the Internet of things for asset management, workforce management, utilities smart metering and smart cities applications.

Saudico Electronic Systems was represented by its CEO, Mr. Soufyan Al-Kabbani, Vice-President of the CAFS. Oryx Data was represented by its Co-Founder, Mr. Mathieu Mehmet Özer.

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CAFS meets MEDEF International to discuss partnership

CAFS — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 07:08:49 +0000

02 December 2022 – Representatives of CAFS and MEDEF met in Paris to discuss future collaboration between the two organisations.

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CAFS meets H.E. Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to France

CAFS — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:06:49 +0000

01 December 2022 – During their visit to Paris CAFS’ executive team, including President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden and Vice Presidents Mr. Faiz Al-Elweet and Mr. Soufyan Al-Kabbani, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fahad Al-Ruwaily the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of France.

During the visit, the discussion covered the bilateral trade and commerce relations between Saudi Arabia and France, and discuss the CAFS scheduled visits and meetings.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Basem Al-Hbshi the Executive Director of CAFS at the Federation of the Saudi Chambers.

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CAFS promotes Saudi Arabia during the Forum Francophone des Affaires

CAFS — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 06:59:02 +0000

01 December 2022 – H.E. Dr. Fahad Al–Ruwaily Ambassador of the Saudi Arabia to France, and Mr. Steve Gentili President of the Forum Francophone d’Affaires, organized a seminar on “Investing in Saudi Arabia” at the Saudi Arabian Residence, in Paris, on December 1st 2022.

The event was attended by 30 guests including diplomats, business leaders.

CAFS was represented by Eng. Soufyan Al-Kabbani Vice-President, who gave a short introductory speech on CAFS objectives and activities.

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CAFS meets French “Security Day” delegation

CAFS — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 06:47:16 +0000

01 December 2022 – The CAFS, represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, was pleased and honored to welcome the French delegates participating in “The Security Day” organised by Business France in Saudi Arabia.

The meeting took place with the participation of His Excellency Mohamed AL ATHEL, Deputy Governor of GAMI for procurements, Engineer Walid ABU KHALED, CEO of SAMI, and members of the Executive Committee of the CAFS.

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Mission CCI France UAE meets the CAFS in Riyadh

CAFS — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:45:00 +0000

22 November 2022 – The CAFS was pleased to support the organisation of CCIF France UAE’s mission in Riyadh, and to meet the delegated who came to discover the opportunities that Saudi Arabia offers to French companies.

We look forward to deepening the cooperation with the French Embassy, Business France, CCI France UAE, the CCEF, and all French companies interested in doing business in Saudi Arabia.

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First prospective mission of CCI France UAE to Riyadh

CAFS — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 06:30:00 +0000

22 November 2022 – The relations between the Saudi Arabia and UAE are deep-rooted and are a prime example of cooperation on numerous economic areas of activities in the GCC.

For the first time, CCI France UAE organized a mission in Riyadh to better understand the needs and business opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

Members of the delegation were: Terry Antoinette Managing Director at DTOS International Middle East, Naoile EL-AZZOUZI Country Manager EGG MEA at EGG Events, Olivier Peulvast Chief Brand Officer EGG Group, Christian Bejjani Regional General Manager EI-Technologies MENA, Yves-Michel Gabay Managing Director MEA & SEA regions, Benoit De TURCKHEIM Vice President Export chez MasterGrid, Benjamin Ogrizek Managing Director Robertet Middle East at Robertet Group.
This delegation was organised in partnership with Business France, Les Conseillers du Commerce extérieur de la France, RATP Dev, Coface.

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Saudi-French partnership for sustainable development and industry 4.0

CAFS — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 17:17:45 +0000

14 November 2022 – CAFS representatives attended the French FAB Accelerator in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi French Partnership for Sustainability & Industry 4.0 event organized by Business France in Riyadh. During the event several speakers and experts from KSA and France discussed topics such as Transformation, Sustainability, Productivity and Efficiency in the Energy, Utilities, Power, Industrial and Manufacturing sectors using state of the art technologies such as Cloud, Big Data, AI, ML, IoT, etc.. During the event an MOU agreement between Dassault Systems, Aramco, Fives Group and AIF was signed for cooperating and developing the industry of the future. An exhibition area with 9 French companies, startups and SMEs were present and showcasing the latest innovations of the Industry 4.0.

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Business lunch between CAFS and Business France

CAFS — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 18:28:38 +0000

CAFS vice-presidents, Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet and Eng. Soufyan Al-Kabbani, hosted a business lunch with Business France, attended by Ms. Rafaella Silvetti, Director Inward Investment Middle East Area, Business France, and Mr. Rachid Boulaouine, Country Manager KSA Business France. During the meeting subjects of common interest: promoting, developing business relationship between the countries were discussed.

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CAFS meets French MEDEF delegation on the mining sector

CAFS — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 18:31:13 +0000

02 July 2022 – The Federation of Saudi Chambers, represented by the Saudi-French Business Council, headed by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of CAFS, participated in the meeting held at MEDEF International, about investment opportunities in the mining sector in Saudi Arabia.

The meeting took place in the presence of HE Dr. Fahad Al-Ruwaili Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to France and Mr. Musaed Al-Daoud undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Development, representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Investment, and French companies interested in the mining sector in Saudi Arabia have attended.

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CAFS participate in Business France’s workshop on Saudi water sector

CAFS — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 18:35:43 +0000

CAFS Vice Presidents Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet and Eng. Soufyan Al-Kabbani as well as other CAFS members such as Mr. Hassan Al-Jabri and Mr. Bassam Hamade and others have participated in a workshop on the water sector in the Kingdom in coordination with the Business France office of the French Embassy in Riyadh.
The workshop was part of the forum “Saudi-French strategic partnership for a better sustainable development in water and waste management”, organized by Business France and the French Embassy in collaboration with Saline Water Conversion Corp. SWCC, the Saudi Water Partnership Co., the National Water Co. and the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. SIRC.

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CAFS hosts the French MEDEF delegation on the entertainment sector

CAFS — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 18:40:24 +0000

02 June 2022 – CAFS hosted a meeting with the participants of the business mission organised by the MEDEF International for companies in the entertainment sector.

This delegation to Saudi Arabia took place from 29 to 31 May 2022, was led by Mr. Laurent GERMAIN President of the France-Saudi Business Council (French side) and president of MEDEF International, and CEO of Egis, with the participation of Mr. François TOUAZI and Mr. Régis MONFRONT, Vice-Presidents of the France-Saudi Business Council (French side).

The objectives of this mission trip were to:

Discuss with the main public authorities in charge of entertainment in the Kingdom (Ministry of Culture, General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Public Investment Fund (PIF), etc.); gain a better understanding of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment strategy and priorities; meet the main representatives of the Saudi private sector; present French expertise in the field of entertainment activities in Saudi Arabia.

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CAFS meets members of the French Senate in Riyadh

CAFS — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 18:48:39 +0000

01 March 2022 – The CAFS met members of the French Senate in Riyadh, during their visit to Saudi Arabia.

This trip (from 25 February to 6 March 2022) was jointly organized by the Commission for Culture, Education and Communication, chaired by Laurent Lafon and the France-Gulf Countries friendship group.

This approach was an extension of President Macron’s trip to Dubai, Doha and Jeddah (2-4 Dec. 2021).

The delegation brought together:
Members of the Culture, Education and Communication Committee:
– Mr. Laurent LAFON, President Senator of Val-de-Marne
– Mr. Pierre OUZOULIAS, Vice-President Senator of Hauts-de-Seine
– Ms. Céline BOULAY-ESPÉRONNIER, Senator of Paris
– Ms. Sonia de La Provôté, Senator of Calvados
– Mr. Jacques GROSPERRIN, Senator of Doubs
– Mr. Lucien STANZIONE, Senator of Vaucluse
Members of the France-Gulf countries friendship group:
– Mr. Olivier CADIC, President Senator representing French people living abroad
– Ms. Nathalie DELATTRE, Senator from Gironde, Deputy President for Saudi Arabia
– Mrs. Joëlle GARRIAUD-MAYLAM, Senator representing French people living abroad, Deputy President for the United Arab Emirates

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CAFS participates in workshop with Saudi Ministry of Investment and World Bank

CAFS — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 18:58:03 +0000

24 February 2022 – The Ministry of Investment, in collaboration with the World Bank in February 2022, organized workshops on the top opportunities and challenges facing the private sector in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of determining these opportunities and challenges in order to improve the investment environment.

The workshops discussed several main aspects, such as the investment environment climate and the systems affecting investment, where representatives of the private sector shared their suggestions and referred inquiries to officials of the ministry.

The workshops were attended by more than 65 local companies and 80 foreign companies, through 20 sessions that were held at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

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CAFS participates in Saudi-French Business Forum during President Macron’s visit to Jeddah

CAFS — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 18:44:27 +0000

4 December 2021 – HE the French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Jeddah with a large business delegation of companies participating in an investment forum organised during his trip. He was the first major western leader to visit the kingdom since 2018.

The CAFS, represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, participated in the Saudi French Business Forum, which gave way of the signature of 27 MOU’s between French and Saudi companies.

The Forum brought together around 101 Saudi companies and 84 French companies, which attended the 6 workshops during the event, and which was opened by HE Eng. Khalid Al Falih the Saudi Minister of Investment, and HE Mr. Franck Riester the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness.
Representatives of French companies and banks, including Total Energies, Thales, Vivendi, EDF Renewables, Engie, Sanofi, and BNP Paribas, met with chairmen and CEOs of leading Saudi firms and members of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), including ACWA Power, Banque Saudi Fransi, Riyad Bank, and Saudi Military Industries Co. Officials from the Public Investment Fund PIF and Royal Commission of AlUla, among others.

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CAFS organises the Saudi-French Business Forum on healthcare

CAFS — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 06:52:41 +0000

24 October 2021 – The Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS) organized the Saudi-French Business Forum on the healthcare sector, at the headquarters of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, in Riyadh.

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CAFS participates in French-Saudi Forum organised by Saudi Ministry of Investment and MEDEF in Paris

CAFS — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:56:41 +0000

23 September 2021 – The CAFS participated in the French-Saudi Business Forum, organised in Paris by the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the MEDEF International.

The event was chaired by Mr. Laurent Germain, MEDEF international, and Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS). HE Mr. Franck RIESTER, Minister Delegate for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in charge of Foreign Trade and Attractiveness, HE Eng. Khaled AL-FALEH Saudi Minister of Investment, and HE Dr. Fahad AL-RUWAILY Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to France, also participated in the forum.

The highlight of the forum was the signing of two MOU’s by HEC Paris and INSEAD, the best French business schools. Both schools plan to increase their presence in Saudi Arabia, with greater research cooperation and welcoming more Saudi students.

The event was symptomatic of the extremely strong economic cooperation between the two countries and the rapid intertwining of the two economies. About twenty leaders of Saudi companies and financial institutions travelled to Paris in the delegation led by the Saudi Minister of Investment, Eng. Khaled Al-Faleh, to participate on September 23 in the France-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum organized by Medef International, with 63 French decision-makers.

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President of CAFS meets MEDEF in Paris

CAFS — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 10:56:53 +0000

10 September 2021 – A meeting was held at MEDEF International in Paris, France, between the President of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), Dr. Mohamed ben Laden, and MEDEF officials to discuss modalities and timing of the next visit to Saudi Arabia.

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CAFS accompanies Saudi Minister of Communications to France

CAFS — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 11:02:00 +0000

05 September 2021 – The Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS) organized the visit of the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Al-Sawaha, to the headquarters of the Scale way company in Paris (www.scaleway.com). The CAFS was represented by its President Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden.

Scaleway is a provider of Cloud Ecosystem and Green Data Centers solutions. It was founded in 1999 by Mr. Xavier Niel, and is led by CEO Mr. Yann Lechelle. The meeting aimed to discuss opportunities for cooperation and technical partnership.

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Election of the new Executive Committee of the CAFS

CAFS — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 11:09:00 +0000

01 September 2021 – Election of the President of the Saudi-French Business Council CAFS and the Vice-Presidents by the members of the Executive Committee:
– President: Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden
– Vice-Presidents: Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet and Eng. Soufyan Al-Kabbani

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Saudi Arabia and France strengthen business, trade relations in line with Vision 2030 investment plans

CAFS — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:30:00 +0000

RIYADH: A French delegation on a three-day trip to Saudi Arabia has expressed high hopes for the Kingdom’s future through investment opportunities in emerging sectors and enhanced bilateral relations.

With direct investments amounting to more than $4.37 billion, France has become one of Saudi Arabia’s largest investors.

“We are really convinced that Saudi Arabia has a very promising market for French companies,” Laurent Germain, chairman of the MEDEF International, and President of France-Saudi Arabia Business Council (French side), told Arab News during his fourth mission to the Kingdom.

“The Saudi economy is robust, and the growth forecast for the next 10 years is very promising.”

Mr. Germain pointed out, during leading the visiting delegation to Saudi Arabia, that the digital and healthcare sectors had particularly caught France’s eye, calling it the “new economy” and he said French companies were committed to increasing and diversifying their investment in the Saudi economy.

“We have a lot of startups and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in France specialized in high-value technologies, and the objective is for them to have more access to the Saudi market,” he added.

Last year, the MEDEF delegation included 100 representatives of 80 French companies, having “solid” expertise in many sectors, including tourism, healthcare, and entertainment.

The delegation was received by Dr. Khaled Al-Yahya secretary-general of the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC), on a three-day trip to meet with Saudi ministries, government entities, and French companies based in the Kingdom.

Mr. Germain said: “What was clear in the discussions was that all the ministries now have a clear strategy, and clear targets. For the Ministry of Tourism having 100 million visitors (by 2030), for the energy ministry to have 50 percent of the energy produced through renewables, and now each ministry has an action plan. And what we discussed is how the French firms can help the different ministries in order to achieve these goals.”

The Council of Saudi Chambers CSC has been working alongside MEDEF International – a French non-profit organization – toward enhancing the role of the foreign private sector by developing its strategies in line with Vision 2030.

Mr. Francois Touazi vice chairman of the MEDEF International and vice president of France-Saudi Business Council (French side), said: “We’re also here to have an update. Despite the (corona virus) COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia was very active, and we have been very impressed by all the projects that have been announced – the Line, for example, the plans to transition to hydrogen – we’re very excited to be part of this new adventure.”

The transition to renewable energy is a new undertaking of Saudi Arabia and part of its goals for sustainable development strategies under Vision 2030.

“This is a sector where the French firms have great expertise. Both the big companies like Electricite de France (EDF), Engie, and others,” Mr. Germain said.

“But we also have SMEs and startups very much advanced on this issue and the combination of both can bring a very interesting offer to the Saudi market.

“I think we have very clearly identified the different sectors where the tenders will be issued, because what is key for the companies is to know about the projects, about the timelines, the tenders, when the tenders will be out so that they can prepare themselves to be effective.”

The MEDEF recently signed a framework agreement with the Saudi investment ministry (MISA) to boost bilateral investment relations and support long-term partnerships in emerging sectors, including tourism, healthcare, and entertainment.

“Through the meetings we have had during that delegation, we have a clear view on what the projects are going to be, when the tenders are going to be issued, and what the criteria are for the French companies to win the tenders,” he added.

Armed with this information, the French delegation will return to France and inform private companies of what will enable them to win bids in order to successfully penetrate the Saudi market.

“The financing of the projects of Vision 2030 have been confirmed and this gives visibility to the French companies and motivates them to invest more into the Saudi market,” Germain said.

On the other hand, Plans to arrange a Saudi delegation for France to meet its counterparts and encourage SMEs are in the pipeline, according to Eng. Faiz Al-Elweet vice president of the Saudi-French Business Council.

On French-Saudi ties being possibly affected by the French elections next year, Mr. Germain said: “France recognizes all the potential that Saudi Arabia has in the region, but also in the world.

“It is very much aware that Saudi Arabia is now a key player of the G20, that the growth forecast in Saudi Arabia is very strong, that there is political will in the diversification of the economy of Saudi Arabia, that this is a tremendous opportunity for French companies, and that’s why there will be a continuity whoever wins the presidency.”

Also, The mission will also be visiting Jeddah for talks with officials and business leaders there.

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CAFS organises Saudi-French Business Forum in Riyadh

CAFS — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 11:13:00 +0000

28 January 2020 – The Saudi-French Business Forum was held at the headquarters of the Council of Saudi Chambers, in the presence of His Excellency the Governor of the General Authority for Foreign Trade, of the Ambassador of the Republic of France in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, of the Secretary-General of MEDEF International, and a number of government officials and Saudi and French business owners.

The CAFS was represented by its Chairman, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden.

The most important points that were discussed and raised during the conference were:

His Excellency the Governor of the General Authority for Foreign Trade Abdul Rahman bin Ahmed Al-Harbi stressed the development witnessed by the Saudi-French economic relations, which made France the ninth trading partner of the Kingdom, with a trade exchange volume of 10.4 billion dollars in 2018.
The volume of French investments in the Kingdom increased by 140% for the year 2019 AD compared to 2018, to reach $23.8 billion and the number of 259 projects, which made France the third place among the countries investing in capital in the Kingdom.
Emphasizing the reforms undertaken by the Kingdom to improve the business environment, which made it ranked first in the world among the most improved economies in the ease of doing business reforms according to the World Bank report for the year 2020.
Emphasis on the development and modernization of many systems such as the franchise system and the e-commerce system, in addition to the Kingdom’s progress in the “starting a business” index, where 103 salaries jumped from 141 to rank 38 thanks to the efforts of reforms and improvement of the business environment and the unification of the efforts of government agencies and partnership with The private sector and international partners, as well as empowering Saudi women in all fields.

Emphasizing that the new and promising investment sectors in the Kingdom such as chemicals, tourism, entertainment, communications, e-commerce, privatization and mining,
The forum’s contribution to creating more opportunities for trade and investment partnerships, localization of industry, and knowledge transfer to meet the aspirations of the two countries.
The Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers, Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Obaidi, expressed his aspiration that the forum would contribute to creating more strategic partnerships in the economic sectors enjoyed by countries such as industry, renewable energy, health, tourism, and agriculture, praising the role of the Saudi-French Business Council in supporting economic relations between the two countries. the two countries.
The head of the Saudi side in the Saudi-French Business Council, Dr. Muhammad bin Laden, confirmed that the visit of the French trade delegation to the Kingdom comes at a time when it is witnessing major economic and social transformations thanks to Vision 2030, on which the Kingdom is betting on completely reforming its economic model, as it works to double its economic position and wealth. Through economic diversification, reducing dependence on oil, strengthening its position as a global logistics center linking three continents, and paying attention to artificial intelligence, the tourism sector and increasing cultural and social openness.
Emphasizing that the great opportunities available to French companies in the projects of Vision 2030 and under stimulating investment laws, in sectors such as technological innovation, aviation, transportation, environment, energy efficiency, health, agriculture and food.
Frederique Sanchez, head of the French Federation of Employers and Head of the French side in the Joint Business Council, confirmed that the French trade delegation includes 60 companies working in various economic sectors, the most important of which are finance, construction, infrastructure, consultancy, transportation, hotels and events, and it seeks to transfer its expertise and capabilities to the Saudi market, in line with With the directions of Vision 2030.
Emphasizing that the French Employers Association (MEDEF), which constitutes about 75% of French companies in all sectors, is working to promote long-term and sustainable partnerships with its counterparts in the Kingdom in partnership with the Council of Saudi Chambers and the Saudi-French Business Council.
Emphasizing that the aim of this meeting is to enhance France’s participation with its great expertise in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which is a model for efforts to diversify the economy, especially in the areas of local content, job creation and training for Saudi youth.
He affirmed their desire to work with the Saudi private sector to build and enhance its capabilities to contribute effectively to economic development, noting that the forum discusses the main issues that affect companies such as local content and the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center and industrial zones.
The Ambassador of the Republic of France to the Kingdom, Francois Gouyette, affirmed that business leaders in France are looking forward, with their Saudi partners, to contribute to the economic development of the Kingdom and to transfer their expertise in the fields of technology, innovation and training, pointing to the economic and social changes that the Kingdom is witnessing with Vision 2030, and economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment, which It made French investors double their investments as a result of the ease and speed of the procedures.
Two workshops were held after the end of the general economic session of the Saudi-French Forum, where the first was entitled: (The Kingdom is an International Logistics Center), and the second was entitled: (Industrial Localization).
The French business delegation also visited His Excellency the President of the Public Investment Fund and were briefed on the programs offered by the Fund and its investment projects.
A tour of the historic Diriyah and Turaif area was also arranged for the French delegation, where they learned about the cultural and civilizational depth of the region.
The French delegation also met with His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir. 18. The visit of the French delegation to the province of Al-Ula and to see the heritage monuments (Madain Saleh) and a meeting with the CEO of the Royal Commission for the province of Al-Ula, and to see the investment opportunities in the region.

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CAFS holds its 40th joint meeting in Paris

CAFS — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 15:12:00 +0000

20 October 2018 – The 40th joint meeting of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) took place at the Club Interallié in Paris.

It brought together members of the CAFS and of MEDEF International, its partners in France. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the CAFS.

It gave way to the presentation of the CAFS Activity Report, as well as to the signature of several MoUs between Saudi and French companies.

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CAFS holds meeting in Paris on the occasion of the visit of H.R.H Crown Prince

CAFS — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 12:03:00 +0000

9 April 2018 – The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) organised its 39th joint meeting at the MEDEF headquarters in Paris, on the occasion of the visit to Paris of H.R.H. Mohammed Ben Salman, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and President of the Council for Economic Affairs of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia.

The meeting took place in the presence of H.E. Majed Al Qasabi, Saudi Minister of Trade and Investment, of H.E. Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, State Secretary to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and of Mr. Pierre Gattaz, President of MEDEF.

This event was an opportunity to discuss Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy as part of its “Vision 2030”, to understand the evolution of the business environment and seize development opportunities for French companies in the first economy of the Gulf.

After a plenary session from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., a sectoral workshop on water and agriculture in the presence of H.E. Mr. Abulrahman Al Fadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture was organized from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

French companies were also able to discuss with the many heads of Saudi private and public companies, such as the leaders of Aljomaih, Bahri, Dussur, SABIC, SAPTCO, or Zamil Group.

At the end of the meeting, a lunch cocktail offered by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Franco-Saudi Business Council (CAFS) took place at 1 p.m. at the Cercle de l’Union Interallié.

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Message from H.E. Saudi Ambassador to France

CAFS — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 12:13:00 +0000

6 December 2016 – Message from H.E. Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Anqary, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to France, addressed to the Franco-Saudi Business Council (CAFS):

“It is a privilege to welcome you on the website of the Franco-Saudi Business Council.

د. خالد بن محمد العنقري
While I have only recently taken up my duties as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the French Republic, I am pleased to be able to highlight here the irreplaceable role played by the Franco-Saudi Arabian Business Council In the development of business flow and economic dialogue between our two countries.

Everyone is aware of the Strategic Dimension of the relationship between Paris and Riyadh. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prides itself on considering France among its most reliable and loyal allies.

On the political level, the dialogue between the highest authorities of our two countries is ongoing and allows a particularly useful and fruitful exchange of analysis and decision-making in what is known to be a disturbed regional context.

On the security front, France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have developed a solid and balanced partnership for several years.

Finally, at the economic and commercial level, our relationship is now at an unsurpassed level and quality. Today, France is present in Saudi Arabia in the most important sectors of the Kingdom, whether that of major infrastructure, of energy , or, that of which is so vital to the Kingdom, water.

For its part, the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in innovative projects that France is developing and looks to further expand its presence in the service of French growth.

It is in this particularly favorable context that the Franco-Saudi Business Council plays its role as a facilitator, a “think tank” and a prime contractor for concrete investment projects. The success of the last Franco-Saudi Business Forum in Riyadh in October, in the presence of the French Prime Minister, Mr. Manuel Walls, under his patronage, stands as an emblematic example. By bringing together nearly 1,000 businessmen in the Saudi capital city, the CAFS has demonstrated, if need so still existed, its capacity to structure and revitalize the economic and commercial relationship between our two countries.

May this website, whose professionalism I wish to salute here, help it even more in its mission.

For my part, as I begin my mission as Ambassador in Paris, I will not spare my support for its action so useful for our two countries.“

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Message from the Chairman of Council of Saudi Chambers

CAFS — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 12:18:00 +0000

05 July 2016 – Message from Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Zamil, Chairman of Council of Saudi Chambers, addressed to the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS):

“The Saudi French Business Council, known in French as Conseil d’Affaires Franco-Saoudien (CAFS), provides a unique forum for discussion of key commercial, economic and other issues of mutual interest to French and Saudi firms doing or planning to do business in both countries. The CAFS was one of the earliest business councils established by the Council of Saudi Chambers and it developed as an exclusively dedicated forum focused on improving commercial and investment relations with Saudi Arabia, it plays a leading role in the expansion of the bilateral relationship.

The Council envisions a thriving relationship between Saudi Arabia and France built on a foundation of mutual interests and strong political, business, cultural, and security relations. The strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and France was boosted by the exchange of official and business visits, including three visits by President Francois Hollande’s to the Kingdom since 2013 during which he met with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, since he was then Crown Prince.

Truly, I am pleased for launching the CAFS website and I take this opportunity to congratulate the CAFS President Dr. Mohammed ben Laden and all the CAFS members and partners.

Today, where electronic phenomena prevail in all activities, you need to know by a click of the mouse and have information at your fingertips. The CAFS website may provide invaluable potential advantages, including information and sponsoring events and programs, and coordinating trade missions for Saudi Arabia and France firms as well as publishing articles, tweets, newsletters etc. on the developments in the Saudi-French relationship and insights into Saudi Arabia and its international and business environment.“

Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Zamil

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CAFS holds Saudi French Business Forum in Riyadh

CAFS — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 12:52:00 +0000

12-13 October 2015 – The 2nd Saudi-French Business Opportunities Forum was held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital, on Monday and Tuesday October 12th and 13th, 2015.

The French delegation of company directors, co-organized by MEDEF International and Business France, was led by Mr. Jean-Louis CHAUSSADE, CEO of Suez and co-chair of the CAFS. On the Saudi side, this Forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and by the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), chaired by Dr. Mohamed BEN LADEN.

This high-level business forum took place in the exceptional presence of His Excellency Manuel VALLS, Prime Minister of the French Republic, and of several Saudi and French Ministers..

This event mainly revolves around four particularly promising sectors:

Sustainable cities & Transport
Health
IT systems & security
Agribusiness

Both the scale and level of expected participation on the Saudi and French sides made this a unique event. The event was organised as a forum and offered exceptional networking opportunities with private and public Saudi companies.

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CAFS organises a press conference

CAFS — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 13:01:00 +0000

13 September 2015 – Press conference organised by the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), in preparation of the Saudi French Business Forum and to announce the launch of the new CAFS website. The CAFS was represented by its Chairman, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden.

Speech by Dr. Ben Laden:

“First of all I would like to thank his Excellency the ambassador for hosting this meeting and all the journalists for their presence. It is important to say that the second Forum for Business Opportunities is organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and with the active collaboration of the Council of Saudi Chambers and the Saudi-French Business Council CAFS. I would also like to thank all the French organizers from the Ministry of Economy and Business for the exerted efforts to make this Forum a success. I have to say that the first Forum held in 2013 addressed the Kingdom’s needs in infra-structure projects. It was clear that France had an important share un these projects, for example and not limited to, the Riyadh public transportation projects including subway and buses, Kingdom-wide water-supply works.

But the headlines of our next Forum, in addition to the previous ones, for energy projects, reflect the current approach of the Kingdom and its economic policies regarding:

The Diversification of the sources of income through expanding the industrial and economic base.
The use of new technologies and information and their establishments.
Switching to a knowledge-based economy.
Providing training and quality education to create business opportunities for the Saudi youth.
Taking care of the small and medium size companies as they are the cornerstone of the economic structure.

I will let the details of the Forum to Mr. Roman Keraval to state the names of some participants from both sides.

I would like to talk about the role of the Business Councils in general and the Saudi French Business Council in particular as a link between the business communities in both countries.

Developing and enhancing relationships between the two work communities and informing the representatives and participants of both sides about the economic chances.

Encouraging exports, exchanging goods and services, and organizing exhibitions in both countries.
Cooperate and communicate with the responsible parties of the two countries to improve the atmosphere of co-operation and facing obstacles disturbing business in different ways.

(I would like to remind you that during the meeting of his Excellency, the Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Tawfiq AlRabiah and the French Foreign Minister, in June of last year through the works of the joint committee, his Excellency Dr.Tawfeek talked about the difficulty to get Schengen visa for businessmen, the slow progress of the procedure for sighting its application and its validity. The Minister Mr. Laurent Fabius immediately addressed his Excellency to issue visas for five years, or as long as the passport is valid and it was immediately applied. I hope that the Kingdom will move forward in this direction to make it easier for French businessmen to get visas and allow commercial visits for one or two years with multiple entries in order to benefit the business sector in both countries.

Encouraging the construction of economic projects in both countries by identifying the best available sources for funding and offering services for businessmen interested in these projects.
Working on settling commercial disputes that may arise between businessmen in both countries in a friendly way.
Developing continuous training programs, technology and knowledge transfers.
I have a message to Saudi businessmen: there is no doubt that although France is the largest market in the region, we do not have to see it from this perspective only. France is also an industrial developed country that is ready to do business in our Arab world and offers opportunities of investment that can be used in the Kingdom.

On the other hand, my message to French businessmen and companies would be that the largest market in the area is the Kingdom. The incentives offered by our government for funding industrial projects are the best compared to neighboring countries, the rate of taxes for foreign investors is fractional and constant, and describing all the positive aspects would be a long task. My advice to our French friends is to be on the field and run their administrations and companies near their clients, i.e. here in the Kingdom not from France or any regional administrations outside the Kingdom. Also they have to understand the future vision of the Kingdom for its economy and priorities to make our meetings useful for both countries.

Finally, on behalf of my colleagues in the Saudi-French Business Council, and in accordance with the new Executive Rule of foreign Business Councils, I would like to announce that the Saudi French Business Council CAFS website will be launched during the Forum .The website address is www.cafs.org.sa.

In addition to the council’s news, its presentation, its members and its agenda, we wanted this website to participate in offering opportunities for the Saudi students who are studying in France or those who finished their studies there to put their personal CV on the CAFS website if in case they are looking for a job or a summer training with French companies in the Kingdom, as some universities insist on students’ training in companies during their scholar curriculum.

The French spouses of French expatriates in the Kingdom can likewise upload their personal CV on the Council Website in case they are looking for a job.

Of course the site is in French for now, but it will be launched in three languages: Arabic, French and English.

Thank you for your attention.“

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CAFS holds meeting in Paris for the visit of H.E. Saudi Minister of Commerce

CAFS — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 13:10:00 +0000

24 June 2015 – The Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) held a meeting in Paris, attended by His Excellency, Dr. Tawfiq AL-RABIAH, Minister of Commerce and Industry for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The meeting was organised on the occasion of the Paris visit of His Royal Highness, the Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, Deputy Crown Prince, Minister of Defense, and chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This meeting, co-chaired by Mr. Jean-Louis CHAUSSADE (MEDEF International) and Dr. Mohamed BEN LADEN (CAFS), brought into focus the priority areas of cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia. Particular importance was placed on the field of healthcare, agriculture, and housing. It also allowed for diligent preparation of the 2nd Saudi-French Business Forum, which will be held in Riyadh on the 12th and 13th October 2015.

The Minister of Commerce and Industry reminded the attendees of the excellent relations between Saudi Arabia and France.

The French ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Bertrand BESANCENOT, also drew attention to the strong Saudi-French political and commercial convergence, recalling that the French president’s visits in May of 2105 affirmed the qualitative leap in their bilateral relations. Moreover, on that same day, different contracts were signed between France and Saudi Arabia, amounting to a total of 12 billion dollars.

Mr. Imad AL-ABDULQADER, Marketing Director of SAGIA, then gave an overview of the diversification strategy for the Saudi Arabian economy, which is based on three priority sectors: healthcare, transport, and industrial equipment, all three also being outstanding areas for French companies.

Mr. AL-DUBAIKHI, Chairman of Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co. (SALIC), the powerful farm investment fund established in 2011, presented ambitious Saudi investment objectives in the Agri-food sector.

The chairman of The Care Group, Mr. AL-DUKAIR, emphasized the excellent initiative on the part of the Saudis in the healthcare sector, an area that represents 5% of the country’s GDP. Finally, the Minister of Housing’s presentation clearly expressed the very high demand for housing in Saudi Arabia, and consequently, the need for urban construction.

More than ever, Saudi Arabia appears to be a country open to French investors, and this morning created a moment where the companies present came to a better understanding of that fact while being able to ask the speakers questions.

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CAFS joins forum “Living & Working in Saudi Arabia” in Paris

CAFS — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:15:00 +0000

12 June 2015 – The Forum “Living and Working in Saudi Arabia” was held in Paris on Friday, June 12th, 2015. This event was organized conjointly by UBI France and the French Embassy in Riyadh, with participation from the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) and the Arabian section of the CCEF.

This forum, which is intended to be reproduced, is aimed principally at the human resources directors of French companies, and prospective expatriates to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its main goal being to inform them in a comprehensive and objective way about the working and living conditions in Saudi Arabia. This forum forms a large part of the development plans for our economic presence in the country.

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CAFS delegation visits Rouen and Chantilly

CAFS — Mon, 25 May 2015 13:19:00 +0000

25-28 May 2015 – A delegation of members of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS), led by its Chairman, Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, visited Rouen and Chantilly, in France.

The program of this visit was the following:

Tuesday, May 26th, 2015

Meeting of CAFS members with the French companies at MEDEF
Opening address by Dr. Mohamed BEN LADEN, Chairman of the CAFS, and Mr. Jean-Louis CHAUSSADE, CEO of Suez Environnement & director of Saudi-French Business Council
Attendance of Mr. Bertrand Besancenot, French ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Ali Al-Qarni, Chargé d’Affaires for the Royal embassy of Saudi Arabia in Paris
Exchanges between French and Saudi businessmen

Wednesday, May 27th, 2015

Meeting at the French Ministry of Agriculture as organized by the MEDEF, with the French Minister of Agriculture, Stéphane Le Foll
Visit to the Château de Chantilly and the Living Museum of the Horse
Meeting with French companies based in the Picardie region

Thursday, May 28th, 2015

Trip to Normandy (Rouen-Caen) and a meeting with the president of the region

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CAFS organises 4th meeting of members in Riyadh

CAFS — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 13:30:00 +0000

12 March 2015 – The 4th Meeting of Members of the Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS), took place in Riyadh to discuss the following agenda:

1 – Inspection of bilateral program, notably regarding the theme of the 2nd Riyadh Forum

2 – Preparation of CAFS trip to Paris in May, 2015 (Symposium called “Living and Working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”)

3 – Improve synergy between the CAFS, CCEF – Business France – MEDEF International

4 – Attract new members and welcome new-comers

5 – Clarifications on membership of private individuals/French companies

6 – Discussion regarding the Saudi-French Business Circle of Jeddah

7 – Set-up a CAFS Internet site and modify CAFS logo

8 – Discussion regarding the important issues for Saudi dates in France

9 – Next CAFS meeting (Saudi members) in Paris during the next visit in May.

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CAFS holds a meeting in Paris during the visit of Crown Prince

CAFS — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:21:00 +0000

02 September 2014 – On September 2, 2014, the 34th Meeting of the CAFS took place during the visit of the Crown Prince and the Defense Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.R.H Salman bin Abdelaziz AL SAOUD. The Saudi Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Tawfiq Bin Fozan Al Rabiah, the Governor of SAGIA (Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority), as well as the former French State Secretary of Foreign Trade, Mr. Thomas THEVENOUD all participated in the meeting. Co-chaired by Mr. Jean-Louis CHAUSSADE and Dr. Mohamed BEN LADEN, copresidents of the Saudi-French Business Council (CAFS) and respectively CEO of SUEZ Environment and Chairman of MBL Law Firm, this meeting allowed to review the economic and trade relations between France and Saudi Arabia. There were several priority projects led by French companies to develop Saudi Arabia which were presented to the Crown Prince (particularly in the fields of energy, sustainable cities, water and sanitation, transport, etc). Vertical Market panels were organized focusing on the following themes:

Hydrocarbons and petrochemicals
Sustainable cities and transpor
Health

A large Saudi Delegation with over 30 companies as well as nearly 130 French companies were able to ask their questions and voice their concerns to representatives of both countries as well as have discussions with their partners. A general summary of the meeting is available for member of MEDEF International.

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CAFS celebrates launch of Health Trade Fair in Riyadh

CAFS — Fri, 02 May 2014 14:30:00 +0000

02 May 2014 – The CAFS celebrated the launch of the Health Trade Fair in Saudi Arabia with the Health Minister. France was distinguished as the guest of honor at the Fair. The French Pavilion was supervised by Mr. Jean-Marie Le Guen, the State Secretary for Parliamentary Relations. The opening ceremony for the Trade Fair was done by the Governor of Riyadh, Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

The CAFS President, Dr. Mohammed BEN LADEN also organized a dinner at his residence to honor the visit of these dignitaries. The dinner was proposed to some official representatives of the French government including Mr. Jean-Yves Le Guen, Mr. Bertand Besancenot, as well as the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Mohammed Khoshim, the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Mohammed Zamakhshary and the members of the Advisory Council.

The CAFS also invited the Saudi Health Minister, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, for an official visit of Paris on November 5 – 7, 2013, where he met important French representatives and participated in signing ceremony for multiple associations with French centers of excellence such as Pasteur, Imagine, IRCADS, ICAN, IGR and others. These agreements were focused on training talented human capital in Saudi Arabia through trainings in France and in Saudi Arabia.

Opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting at the Trade Fair and the Health Conference in Saudi Arabia 2014, at the centre of the Riyadh exhibitions by Prince Turki bin Abdullah and Mr. Jean-Marie Le Guen, Secretary of State for Parliamentary Relations with other dignitaries, international delegates and industry professionals. France was the guest of honor at the event and over 20 French companies took part.

The French Pavilion offers an innovative and varied offer – light utility vehicles equipped with medical devices, mobile unities, e-health … Orange, Schneider and Airbus Group were simultaneously sponsors at the French Pavilion hosting a series of associated events.

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CAFS and French delegation visit Zulfi

CAFS — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 14:42:00 +0000

03 April 2014 – French ambassador, H.E. Mr. Bertrand Besancenot, visited the province of Zulfi, along with the President and members of the CAFS. He was welcomed by Mr. Nayef bin Hamoud Al-Tariki and some civil servants from Gulf countries. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Mohammed Ali Ben Laden, President of the CAFS. This meeting was the opportunity to highlight the remarkable results of the achievements carried out by the Council over this time period, while simultaneously pointing out work which needs doing in the future.

Program for the third CAFS meeting:

Opening speech by the President of the CAFS, Mr. Mohammed BEN LADEN.
Speech by the French Ambassador in Riyadh, Mr. Bertrand BESANCENOT.
Inspection of works carried out. Presentation by the Vice-President of the CAFS, Eng. Faiz ALELWEET
Saudi-French Business Forum organized in Paris in April, 2013.
Visit in France in November 2013 with the medical-sector Delegation supervised by the Saudi Health Minister.
Visit of the President of the French Republic in Saudi Arabia in December 2013.
Visit in France in February 2014 of a Delegation of the Health Ministry supervised by the Saudi Health Deputy-Minister.
Acceptance of the Medef invitation requesting member of the CAFS to come to France from April 22 – 25, 2014 to join up with an agricultural delegation (fishery) and to visit several cities (Paris, Nantes, Rennes and Brest) with a delegation from the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF).
Preparation of the visit of CAFS members in France at the end of May 2014.
Preparation of Saudi-French Business Forum in Riyadh at the end of 2014.
Open discussion for any other issues.

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French President visits Saudi Arabia

CAFS — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 16:49:00 +0000

29-30 December 2013 – Visit of the President of the French Republic François Hollande in Saudi Arabia

A meeting which took place in Riyadh, on 29 December 2013, between King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saoud, and the President of the French Republic, François Hollande, which emphasized the importance of reinforcing bilateral French-Saudi relations to enhance communication and initiate a solid economic cooperation partnership between France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The economic relations which bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France are solid, effective and multifaceted, founded on mutual trust. Given the solidity of these relations, they must now result in promising and productive projects allowing strengthening this reciprocal compliance to guarantee the sustainable backing of their economy and their industry.

In this respect, King Abdullah and the French President raised the subject of developing a partnership between the Kingdom and France in all aspects of economic participation, notably undertakings in the fields of finance and possible investments, allowing them to maintain their mutual interests.

In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France agreed on the fact that these investments would focus on three major sectors: infrastructure projects, particularly in the field of railway transport, from credit to export, as well as other innovative industrial projects.

Speech by Mr. François Hollande:

“I apologize, but I will speak in French. So…

I’m going to start by underlining the decisive role that Mr. Ben Laden had in these relations between France and Saudi Arabia as throughout his whole professional life, which is really just beginning, he has had the firm intention of serving the interests of our two countries.

It’s true that he inherited both the French language and culture from this father. And you decided to do your studies in Paris at the Sorbonne, the most famous of French universities and you began your professional life as a lawyer in France. Then you decided to return here – to your home and your country – and you opened your law firm in Riyadh. Today, you undeniably belong to the highly-competent Saudi elite. French companies trust you and you defend their interests here, with your particularly precious and invaluable advice. You preside over the CAFS and you give a lot of your time … although it can be said that time, for a lawyer, is the precious of commodities! I didn’t say the most expensive commodity! But you’re also our lawyer as you defend, when necessary, the interests of the Embassy in Riyadh. You also encouraged the implementation of an Alliance Française in Saudi Arabia. And, thanks to you, 2500 Saudis study our language today. This is really what I wanted to emphasize to justify this high distinction which I’m going to award you. You help the French culture, the French language and the French economy …. and therefore Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Mohamed Bin Laden, in the name of the French Republic, we appoint you as Knight of the Legion of Honor”

François Hollande
President of the French Republic

Speech by Dr. Mohamed ben Laden:

« Mr. President of the French Republic, Honorable Ministers, Ambassadors, dear friends.

Mr. President, the words you’ve just spoken regarding myself touch me enormously and I thank you warmly and wholeheartedly. I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude today for all my friends who I’ll not cite in their entirety as the list is very long, but who made it possible for this day to finally happen. Certain among you – and I’m sure you’ll know who I’m referring to – are here with us today and I also thank those who were not able to attend but I know they are very happy for me at this moment.

It’s with a great emotion that I measure the honor bestowed upon me today, given the incredibly strong and might-I say, indestructible ties which bind me to France. Today this a double honor for me. Not only am I, thanks to you, going to enter into this prestigious order of the Legion of Honor but in addition, I’m graced with your presence here in Riyadh.

I’m really very proud and your presence in Saudi Arabia proves, in the eyes of my Saudi compatriots, the genuine interest which you have for the Kingdom. As President of the CAFS, I’ve always been very touched by your attention, Mr. the President, which you’ve always given to Saudi Arabia, its politicians, its business men, its projects and the reception which you organized at the Elysée Palace in April has been engraved in my memory.

And if I may do so, I’d like to make a confession …. More and more we hear in Saudi Arabia that France is a faithful partner and a reliable friend. Of course I was already aware of this but I’m not very biased considering my immense love for France. To finish-up and as we are at the dawn of new year, to present you, Mr. the President of the French Republic, all my wishes for success in your job which is so demanding. I make the wish that 2014 be a year full of success with many results in the valorous efforts which you make, and be assured, Mr. the President, of my deep gratitude for the prestigious form of recognition bestowed on me by France today.”

Mohamed Ben Laden

Speech by François Hollande:

“Honorable Ministers,

After listening to the speech of Mohamed Ben Laden, we have absolutely no doubt about having bestowed him with his honor. The high standard of his language like the depth of his culture, along with his love towards France, all justify this prestigious distinction. His father, Abdul Aziz Almunajem, who was therefore Mr. Abdullah Al-Munajem, developed his activity first working with fruits and vegetables and then he had an idea as he didn’t only work in the agri-food business but also in the restaurant industry, service industry, distribution and even in building. Somewhere along the line there was a meeting with France. You trusted in French farmers, notably chicken-farmers and you invested in the company Doux and you distribute their products here in Saudi Arabia. We are now linked to each other as you chose to invest in the company’s capital. For all these reasons of being faithful, loyal and honest, France wanted to pay you their respects, and make the Al-Munajem Group an example to follow. It’s an example of mutual effort, partnership and shared interest. And in this economy it’s not just a question of merchandise, products and capital as we’re also dealing with men and if there are no company managers or great leaders, then there can’t be a thriving economy. And this is why Mr. Abdul Aziz Almunajem, we see in you a great company manager, a knowledgeable investor and a friend of France. And even if we’re far from Brittany here in Saudi Arabia, even if there are some people from Brittany among us here today … there are always Bretons everywhere! Well today Brittany turns toward Saudi Arabia and says thank-you. And France turns towards Mr. Abdul Aziz Almunajem to bestow him with his prestigious distinction.

Mr. Abdul Aziz Almunajem, in the name of the French Republic, we appoint you as Knight of the Legion of Honor.”

François Hollande
President of the French Republic

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CAFS delegation in healthcare visits France

CAFS — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 18:06:00 +0000

5-8 November 2013 – A business delegation of CAFS members specialized in the healthcare sector, led by the Saudi Health Minister, Dr. Abdullah Al–Rabiah, visited France in November 2013.

The program of this delegation was::
– Visit of the Gustave Roussy Institute which is the leading European Centre for fighting Cancer
– Reception at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Paris
– Visit of International SOS
– Visit of Sodexo Healthcare
– Meeting at the Health Ministry
– Signature of partnership contracts
– Visit of Strasbourg IRCAD (unique site dedicated to healthcare, research and training)

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Presentation of the Saudi French Business Forum

CAFS — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:21:00 +0000

10-12 April 2013 – Presentation of the Franco-Saudi Business Forum

President Hollande to Saudi businessmen: “There are investment opportunities in France and you are welcome there”

At the initiative of Dr. Taufiq Bin Fozan Al Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Trade and Industry, and Mrs. Nicole Bricq, French Minister of Foreign Trade, Medef international organized on April 11 and 12, 2013, at L’Hôtel Intercontinental in Paris – the first Franco-Saudi Business Forum.

A highly symbolic meeting both by the number and rank of personalities who took part in this meeting and by the interest it aroused among economic players, French and Saudi, who all wanted to bring the historic partnership sealed back to life in Paris in 1967 between French President Charles de Gaulle and King Fayçal Ben Saoud.

Three French ministers, Mr. Pierre Moscovici, Mr. Arnaud Montebourg, Mrs. Nicole Bricq, and their Saudi counterparts, including Dr. Tawfig Al Rabiah, Minister of Trade and Industry, took part in the various round tables to affirm their conviction in the need to revitalize the partnership which binds the two countries and to express their desire to develop relations between France and Saudi Arabia.

Opening the work of this meeting, Mr. Jean Burelle, member of the Executive Committee of Medef, and Mr. Mohamed Ben Laden, President of the Franco-Saudi Business Council, in turn underlined the economic and political potential of Saudi Arabia and its major role in the stability of the region. Mr. Burelle emphasized the importance of this meeting, which constitutes “a wonderful opportunity for French and Saudi companies to discuss in order to learn about and identify the different sectors of the economy which constitute the vectors of growth and of development in the two countries”, whereas Mr Bin Laden rather insisted on the profound changes implemented in the Kingdom under the impetus of His Majesty King Abdallah Bin Abdel Aziz. He notably recalled that the Saudi kingdom, which intends to “fully integrate the global economy”, has a territory that is five times the size of France and a population of 28 million inhabitants, two thirds of whom are under 30 years old. And to add, “it is the world’s leading oil producer and exporter, its debt represents only 4% of its GDP, while its budget surplus is around 15%”. Closing his speech on a note of humour, Mr Bin Laden indicated that the writer who claimed the idea that the three types of accomplished men created by Saudi Arabia were “the warrior, the poet, and the prophet” had obviously forgotten to mention “the businessman”.

Several round tables punctuated the two days of this forum, creating as many opportunities to address the major issues relating to the diversification of the Saudi economy, sustainable development, investment programs in the energy and oil, agriculture and agri-food, health, transport and of course the development of human capital and the considerable means which are deployed today in the field of education, higher education and of training.

Politicians, experts, business leaders and major economic players each time presented their analyses, animated debates, and answered questions that were both relevant and practical, but which all had the same objective, same purpose and the same goal, namely: to get information, identify, determine an area or sector of activity to then target the ideal partner to set up and develop in a new high-potential market.

At these various round tables, we note the strong participation of several representatives and heads of large French and Saudi companies. This is particularly the case, on the Saudi side, of Mr. Abdullatif Al-Othman, Governor of the Saudi Investment Authority (SAGIA), Dr. Hasim Yamani, President of KA-CARE, Mr. Ali Al Gofais, Head of training at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Saud Bin Thunain, President of the Royal Commission of Jubeil and Yanbu, Mr. Fahad Abdallah Al-Mubarak, Mr. Khalid Al-Bauainain, Vice President of ARAMCO. On the French side, we note the presence of Mr. de Margerie, Chairman of Total, Mr. Patrice Couvègnes, Director of Banque Saudi Fransi, Mr. Olivier Granet, Director of Development at Accord, Mr. Philippe Laurent, Director of Egis Industrie, Mr. Jean Lemierre, President of the CEPII Study Center, Mr. Luc Oursel, President of Areva, Mr. Henri Proglio, President of EDF.

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French Art of Living in Saudi Arabia

CAFS — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 18:30:00 +0000

30 March – 2 April 2013 – French Art of Living in Saudi Arabia
After Moscow, New York and New Delhi, Jeddah will be hosting this prestigious event with a limited number of places.
A market of 27 million inhabitants offering real business opportunities for French companies specialized in decoration and art of living.

Speech by H.E. Mr. Besancenot, French Ambassador:

“Your Excellencies, Mr. President of the CAFS, Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends,
I am very happy to welcome you this evening, with my friend Mohammed Ben Laden, president of the CAFS, for the inauguration of the exhibition Art de vivre à la française, and for the gala dinner specifically prepared for this occasion, by the Michelin-starred chef from the Ritz Hotel at Place Vendôme in Paris, Michel Roth.

Through this exhibition, France is sharing its Art de Vivre in Riyadh, showcasing the creations of over 25 French companies. This prestigious exhibition follows in the footsteps of the traveling exhibit “ART DE VIVRE A LA FRANÇAISE” which UBIFRANCE has organized throughout the world for several years (in Abu Dhabi, New York, Moscow, and New Delhi). The exhibition is directed to professionals and individuals who appreciate the quality of French style in decoration. For this new edition, Saudi Arabia was a natural choice, with its strong penchant for French design.

The furnishings revolve around outdoor furniture by EGO Paris, traditional furniture and chairs by HENRYOT & Cie, contemporary customized furniture and fittings by SIGébène, wood and glass marquetry by SYLVAIN BULOT, and finely crafted furniture by TAILLARDAT.

The lighting features bronze craftsmanship: finely crafted lighting and ironwork designed by BAGUES; the grandly styled and sand casted collection of LUCIEN GAU; pieces in zinc, copper, and solid brass completely handcrafted by LUM’ART; perfect reproductions of lighting and bronze furniture that have made history, by TISSERANT.

Fabrics and trimmings shimmer in all their dazzle with HOULÈS, the renowned designer and maker of soft furnishings, decorative rodding, and upholstery fabrics. NOBILIS endeavors to express the sensibilities of contemporary artists in the wallpaper and fabric collections it makes; LELIEVRE owns the prestigious silk mill Tassinari & Chatel in Lyon, adding a touch of dream for four generations; PIERRE FREY draws its inspiration from a remarkable collection of archives to design and make fabrics, wallpaper, rugs, and furniture in the purest of French tradition; ROBERT FOUR – MANUFACTURE D’AUBUSSON, the heir of the Manufacture Royale (royal factory) created by Louis XIV, has woven the portraits of the greatest heads of state of Saudi Arabia; SABINA FAY BRAXTON offers exuberant extrapolations of ancient hand-printed textile techniques.

The art of entertaining is an integral part of the French art of living. This art will be represented by BERNARDAUD, a mainstay from Limoges, the birthplace of porcelain; CHRISTOFLE, the silversmith that has been a symbol of luxury and elegance since the 19th century, enriching its collection with contemporary design trends; ERCUIS RAYNAUD, which combines its expertise in porcelain and silverware to offer decorative pieces and sets—predesigned and custom made-to-order—remaining true to tradition.

Decoration put together with all kinds of forms: original paintings and high quality art prints by ARTASA, perfectly crafted wrought ironwork by POUENAT FERRONNIER for furniture, lighting, and fittings; luxury faucet fittings and bathroom accessories by SERDANELI.

There’s CHAUMET as well, the legendary jeweler and watchmaker, and the prestigious house of ST DUPONT, whose master craftsmen have been creating luxury accessories from the finest materials for 140 years.

In particular, I would like to thank the two main sponsors of this event: LEGRAND, one of the biggest world names in electrical and digital building infrastructure, and TANAGRA, a true ambassador for refinement, representing four prestigious art of living brands: Baccarat, Bernardaud, Chaumet, and Christofle, which have provided all their support to organizing this event.

I would also like to thank Banque Saudi Fransi and the Areva group for their support tonight, as well as Maison BO-M in Riyadh for its support in preparing this event.

I’d like to remind you that the French luxury industry includes large groups such as LVMH and Gucci Group that cover several sectors, modestly sized independent houses, providers and subcontractors, as well as craftsmen and makers. This industry employs over 100,000 people in France, and exports account for over 75% of sales. It’s the leading export industry outside of the European Union. French luxury has unrivaled historical capital. The “France” image is strong, and top companies give it a lead in both market share and renown. Some companies here already have partners in Saudi Arabia. Many other companies are looking for partners. I’m sure they’ll find the partners they’re searching for.

As for Saudi Arabia, it has 29 million inhabitants and strong purchasing power. Refinement is part of its culture, which is completely in phase with the French art of living. We already have a strong presence in Saudi Arabia in this sector. There is no doubt that this event will contribute to developing our art of living in the heart of the Saudis. In any case, this is my heartfelt wish.

I also hope that this evening will be an opportunity for you to go for a plunge in the world of French luxury. This luxury is greatly admired around the world, as proven by the record number of foreign visitors to our beautiful country.

Thank you. Enjoy the evening!”

Bertrand BESANCENOT
French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Speech by Dr. Ben Laden:

“Mr. Ambassador, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great joy and special honor for me to speak to you this evening, at this festival, “Art de vivre à la Française”.

I would like to thank the French Ambassador and UBIFrance for allowing the CAFS to cosponsor this event.
This cosponsorship has a special meaning.

First of all, please allow me to say that the CAFS knows quite a bit about the French art of living. Indeed, on your kind advice, Mr. Ambassador, the CAFS regularly contributes to human, cultural, and economic, and gastronomic diversity, through its business prospecting trips to France. Because first and foremost, this is what the French art of living is about—enormously diverse regions, practices, and industrial and business traditions. If you don’t approach France via its diversity, you don’t understand it. It’s so true that someone (a French person, of course) once wrote:

“It’s true that all French people love France, but it’s never the same one…”

France is diversity itself. This is what “Made in France” is about, a diversity of regional cultures that each and every French person lays claim to, carrying deep in their heart an Alsatian, Burgundian, Gironde, northern French, Parisian, or Norman soul…The mission of the CAFS is above all devoted to helping Saudi businessmen understand France, and to promote mutual interest in the long term. The CAFS thus feels it is important to visit the many regions and cities of France: the capital, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lille, Strasbourg, Reims, and elsewhere. This means that at each stage, CAFS businessmen become familiar with a specificity of French culture, industry, business, and—there’s no reason to hide this— gastronomy. The CAFS can testify to this diversity. From Limoges porcelain to Aubuisson tapestry to leathercraft, ecological construction experiments in Bordeaux, and Bocuse gastronomy in Lyon…

Our main mission is to first showcase this fabulous French diversity to the Saudi business world. This diversity offers a significant source of economic opportunities. The business stream that unites both of our countries is becoming stronger. And the CAFS is quite proud to contribute to this. The number of ministerial visits shows this, and there are promising opportunities for long-term and structural partnerships in sectors such as energy, transport, and agribusiness. I would like to take advantage of the opportunity this evening to highlight the French Ambassador’s relentless and constant collaboration with the CAFS to strengthen economic and trade ties between the Kingdom and France. I think we can say that France has an Ambassador here who is fighting on all fronts to promote French economic and trade interests, and to generate a business stream that’s up to the task. The CAFS is proud and happy to help him in this demanding but extremely exciting task. I recently became the CAFS president, and I’m also speaking on behalf of my predecessor Kamel Munajed. The mission of UBIFrance is also essential for promoting French SMBs in Saudi Arabia. I’d like to pay tribute to the roles that UBIFrance and its director Michel Gélénine have played.

If I had to choose a single message to convey this evening, it would be: Saudi Arabia understands the French art of living. Saudis enjoy it and pay tribute to it “with their feet”, so to speak. When you look at the number of Saudi tourists and business visitors who go to France, you understand this. But we need to go further, develop our business in both directions more. I welcome the initiative of this festival. I’m sure this festival will further contribute to convincing our businessmen that France is an exceptional market.

But that’s enough business for this evening, because the French culinary art of living is the guest of honor in Riyadh. Place Vendôme will be coming to us now, thanks to the master chef of the Ritz.
Long live Saudi-French friendship and . . . Bon appétit!”

Mohamed Ben Laden

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Meeting of the CAFS in Jeddah

CAFS — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 18:35:00 +0000

16 March 2013 – 2nd Meeting of the CAFS members in Jeddah
Program for the second meeting of the CAFS Members on Saturday March 16, 2013 at the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah

Meeting Program:

1 – Speak about the visit of French Minister of Industrial Renewal in Saudi Arabia on March 16, 2013 and his participation in the Jeddah Economic Forum.

2 – Invite members to participate in the event (French Art of Living) on April 1 and 2, 2013 in Riyadh with the backing of the CAFS, and make reservations at the Al Faisaliah Hotel for this event.

3 – Present activities for this first Saudi-French Business Forum which will take place from April 10-12, 2013 in Paris, invite members to quickly sign-up on the Forum’s Internet site and emphasize the role of the Business Council within the framework of this Forum during which the President of the CAFS will make an inaugural speech where he will address the present economic situation, the investment environment as well as Saudi trade laws and access to the Saudi market.

4 – Discuss the delegation visit for major French businesses in Riyadh on Monday April 22, 2013 under the supervision of Mr. Pierre Simon, former President of the Paris Chamber of Commerce, intended to promote the investment and partnership opportunities with large companies in Paris and its surrounding agglomerations. Explain the delegation’s wish to communicate with Saudi companies, organize a gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh (Paris function room), incite members to participate in this event and talk with the representatives of the French Embassy.

5 – Agreement on the Saudi delegation training in September 2013 within the framework of the opening of Mr. Faisalal-Khalidi’s factory and invite French representatives to this inauguration. This delegation will be specialized in the fields of health and medicine. Small and medium-sized companies will be specifically focused-on in this segment.

6 – Arrange a date for the next Council Meeting which will take place in Al-Zulfi in May 2013.

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1st meeting of the members of the CAFS

CAFS — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:38:00 +0000

8 January 2013 – 1st meeting of the members of the CAFS

Program for the 1st meeting of the members of the CAFS
Date: Tuesday, January 8th, 2013, in the eastern region

1 – The formation of a work group among members of the executive committee.

2 – The formation of CAFS representatives in both the eastern and western regions (especially for welcoming French delegations visiting the region and facilitating the transfers of different delegations).

Eastern region (Salah Al-Qahtani + Ali Al-Yami + Yusuf Al-Dossari)
Western region (Mohammed Al-Amoudi + Lama al-Suleiman + Ibrahim Fouda)
3 – Review of the subject of the Saudi-French Economy Forum, which was held from the 11th to the 13th of April 2013, and formation of a delegation for the event that will take place in France.

4 – Visits to the major French regions, both those that have already been visited and those that have not.

5 – Selection of a specific region where a government minister or official is based for each CAFS member visit.

6 – Formation of a special delegation in a particular domain for each visit by CAFS members in France (for example: healthcare, medicine, agriculture, transport, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, etc.) with assistance from the National Committee of Saudi Chambers of Commerce. The names chosen will be invited by members of the Executive Committee. The French side will provide specialist agencies. It should be noted that the members chosen to participate in these specialized visits must be distinct and of added value to the delegation, not just physically present.

7 – Availability of sufficient information on the exhibitions in France that the delegations there might attend.

8 – Periodic visits from government members (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and others) in order to come acquainted with them and present them with the mission of the CAFS, and to listen to their instructions and comments.

9 – Coordination of French and Saudi authorities to enable the full participation of French delegation in the special pavilion for them at each event, which will take place periodically in the Kingdom, either in Riyadh, Jeddah, or in the eastern region, seeing as how it could be an opportunity for Saudi businessmen and companies who have not traveled in France to visit these companies in return. Moreover, it will also be an opportunity for French companies to have direct contact with the Saudi companies.

10 – The formation of special committees for working on the following subjects (as proposed by Dr. Yasser Al Harbi):

Coordination of specialized visits in France with an analysis of the results
Invitation of French companies that work in the same field to Saudi Arabia
Fill in the gaps in the Saudi market with French products and services for a comparative advantage
Communicate with the French companies operating in the Kingdom in order to solidify their relationship with the Council
11 – Organize the next meeting of the Council members in the western region.

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CAFS organises Saudi delegation to Lyon

CAFS — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:42:00 +0000

12 October 2012 – A visit from the delegation of Saudi investors and business leaders, coming to present business opportunities to companies in the Lyon region.

Around fifteen Saudi investors and business leaders came to meet with Lyon-based entrepreneurs to strengthen commercial ties between France and Saudi Arabia. Chaired by Bertrand Besancenot, French ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Kamel Al Munajjed, President of the Saudi-French Business Council, this delegation delivered some strong messages.

“As a stable, developing nation, Saudi Arabia is eager to diversify its partners. France is currently the third foreign investor in the country, and we have doubled our exports over the last five years. Now is the time to continue,” Bertrand Besancenot said.
Emphasizing that “Saudi Arabia is an open, easily accessible country” for companies, Kamel Al Munajjed focused on the 400 billion dollar development plan that has just been launched. “Large French companies are participating in this explosion, but there is also room for SMEs,” he insisted.

Program:

CAFS meeting at Medef Paris
Travel to Rhône-Alpes
Meeting at Medef Rhône-Alpes
Visit to the AREVA site
Visit to the ECKES GRANINI plant

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CAFS holds 1st Saudi French Business Forum in Paris

CAFS — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:51:00 +0000

12 April 2012 – Medef International had seen great for the opening, on April 11, of the seminar organized in Paris in the framework of the first Franco-Saudi business forum (April 10-12): nearly 600 business leaders were registered, three French ministers, Nicole Bricq (Foreign trade), Pierre Moscovici (Economy and finance) and Arnaud Montebourg (Productive recovery) were present, as well as large bosses of the CAC 40, like Christophe de Margerie (Total), Luc Oursel (Areva), Henri Proglio (EDF). All punctuated by the signing of three investment licenses in Saudi Arabia for Legrand, Bull and SIA Advice.

In turn, the three ministers called on Saudi operators to invest in France. Sign of their willingness to work “on an equal footing” with Saudi Arabia, François Hollande had reserved his first visit to this country as President of the Republic in the Middle East in November 2012.

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