Abdullah Al-Marri and Olivier Becht reviewed options for trade and investment in startups, the circular economy, tourism, technology, family businesses, renewable energy and agriculture ABU DHABI: Abdullah Al-Marri, the UAE’s minister of economy, and Olivier Becht, the French foreign trade minister, discussed ways in which economic cooperation might be boosted when they met in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, the Emirates News Agency reported. In particular, they reviewed options for stimulating bilateral trade and investment in innovative startups, the circular economy, tourism, technology, family businesses, renewable energy and agriculture. “The UAE-French relations are distinguished by a strong and sustainable strategic partnership across all fields, and enjoy the support and forward-looking vision of the leadership of the two countries,” said Al-Marri. “Especially in light of the high-level official visits exchanged by the two countries lately, notably that of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to France last May, which gives a clear indication of the desire of the two countries to boost their bilateral relations across various fronts.” Becht said that the UAE is a key trading partner in the region for France and that the recently established French-Emirati Business Council is helping to improve economic and trade relations.