Commercial links between Abu Dhabi and Paris are set to be enhanced with the launch of Etihad Airways’ forthcoming five days-a-week flights which will commence on 3 May, increasing to…
Commercial links between Abu Dhabi and Paris are set to be enhanced with the launch of Etihad Airways’ forthcoming five days-a-week flights which will commence on 3 May, increasing to six days-a-week from 1 June.
Trade between the UAE and France rose by 9 percent to US$4.17 billion in 2005, with UAE exports to France growing by 40 percent. French exporters are also active in all sectors of the UAE’s economy, particularly infrastructure projects and consumer goods with sales increasing by 16 percent.
“This new route will provide a tremendous opportunity to broaden cultural and commercial ties, not only between the France and the UAE, but also between Europe and the Middle East. We anticipate a great deal of demand for the service and by operating six flights every week, we will ensure that demand is satisfied,” said Raymond Korban, regional general manager UAE and Oman, Etihad Airways – the national airline of the UAE.
More than 200 French firms have a direct investment presence in the UAE, business worth around US$ 750 million.
The Total Group, active in Abu Dhabi since 1939, leads the investor league and owns a 9.5 percent stake in Abu Dhabi Company for Oil (ADCO) and 13.3 percent stake in Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (Adma-Opco).
The French Ambassador in the UAE, H.E. Patrice Paoli, has also shown his support for Etihad’s new route saying “We are very proud to enjoy such strong relations with Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The French community is very much looking forward to the new commercial developments which are set to follow. The flights will bring new tourism and business to the UAE and the region as a whole.”
Other major companies operating in the UAE include banking firms Calyon and BNP Paribas, and the well-established retailer Carrefour.
Through UBIFRANCE (France Agency for International Business Development), French firms are actively involved with principal UAE Trade Fairs such as Arab Lab, Middle East Electricity, Arab Health and Gulf Food among others.
“The new route is excellent news for importers, exporters and consumers, and will undoubtedly further drive business and leisure traffic between both countries,” said Sylvie Foss, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi-based French Business Group.
Etihad is a major supporter of the French economy through its 24-strong order for Airbus aircraft totalling $7 billion. All new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by 2008, including four double-decker A380s.
The new Etihad flights will bolster tourism between the two countries, with more Middle Easterners visiting the fashionable European city for short breaks while greater numbers of French travellers can now experience the UAE`s favourable weather, upmarket shops and five-star hospitality scene.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
