Lubna al-Qasimi receives French senate members

Sheikha Lubna al-Qasimi, UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade has stressed the significance of trade and investment relations between the UAE and France, and their positive and constructive impact on strengthening the cooperation ties in a number of vital fields vital, especially in the sectors of tourism, heritage and education. After receiving a number of French Senate members led by Nathalie Goulet, she said that the relations between the two countries are excellent in all fields, thanks to the visions of leaders in both countries, reported WAM news agency. The ministry said in a statement yesterday that the trade exchange indicator between the UAE and France has been growing remarkably, calling for developing joint investments in the areas of advanced technologies, renewable energy and others. It added that the trade exchange between the two countries over the first eight months of 2012 stood at Dh10 billion, while the trade between the UAE and France in the free trade zones in the UAE stood at Dh4.8 billion. Head of French delegation Nathalie Goulet said that her country appreciates the strategic relations with the UAE, especially in the areas of economic partnership, trade and others. She lauded the transformation of the UAE into a pioneer economic model in the Middle East, citing the ranking of the UAE in advanced global positions regarding business indicators.