PARIS: Saudi-French economic ties are evolving from a relationship centered largely on French investment in the Kingdom into an increasingly reciprocal partnership, as Saudi capital and expertise find new opportunities in France.
The transformation comes as the two countries mark a century of diplomatic relations dating back to 1926, with investment becoming an increasingly important pillar of their broader strategic partnership.
France remains one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant investment partners. French FDI stock in the Kingdom stood at approximately €16.3 billion in 2024, making France the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment stock in Saudi Arabia. French investors hold 651 licenses across 18 sectors.
But capital is increasingly flowing in the opposite direction.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund invested approximately €7.36 billion in France between 2017 and 2024, supporting an estimated 29,000 French jobs, according to the briefing note. An approximately €8.56 billion financing memorandum of understanding between PIF and Bpifrance also provides a framework for further investment cooperation.
