WITH the Gulf region being a key market for its building sector, France, through its agency for international business development Ubifrance, will be bringing 21 participants to the 24th edition of Saudi Build this year in Riyadh.

This year, more than a third will be newcomers to the Ubifrance pavilion, reflecting the fact that the older participants are gradually striking partnerships and getting established in the market for the long term, says a spokesman for UbiFrance.

He says Saudi Arabia offers ample opportunities for French companies looking to do business in the kingdom, as in order to cater to its considerable demographic growth, the country is involved in a host of public and private construction projects. “With over 200,000 new housing units every year, as well as offices, universities, shopping centres, etc, the Saudi economy represents multiple opportunities for French companies seeking to develop their business in the sector in the region,” says the spokesman.

As the 10th ranking exporter worldwide, France conducts two-thirds of its foreign sales in the EU. “While the Middle East only accounts for two per cent of its export turnover, yet the French building industry has substantial experience in many fields,” he says.

A key area that has received considerable impetus and seen major growth in France is sustainability and environment protection and this will be apparent through the displays of French exhibitors at Saudi Build.

He comments: “Having set long-term environmental and energy-savings objectives for the country, the Grenelle Roundtable on the Environment has boosted innovation, which together with quality and design make up the strong points of what France has to offer.”

He says at Saudi Build there will be major groups and specialised companies representing the various trades in building and construction including architecture and interior design services, façade and roofing products, insulation, concrete products, shaped sections and metal structures, composite materials, miscellaneous hardware and fittings, among a long list of others.

Given France’s commitment to sustainability, all solutions on offer by French companies are focused on environmental protection and energy savings, without compromising their concern for quality and durability, as well as adapting to local constraints.

That the Gulf region is among the markets France is focusing  on is evident from the fact that the country is putting up pavilions in both Dubai, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, this month. “Over 50 of them will take part in the region’s three major events, namely Saudi Build (November 11 to 14) as well as The Big 5 show and Middle East Concrete in Dubai (November 5 to 8),” he says.

The French pavilion can be visited in Hall 3 at Saudi Build.