Cutting-edge economic sectors, an asset for France: supporting strategic sectors The Foreign Affairs Ministry’s mission is to support exports, but also to contribute to the influence (mobility, trade, innovation) of French industry in the areas of nuclear power, space, aeronautics, surface transport, and health biotechnology. Foreign trade Economic diplomacy Published on : May 22nd 2025 Updated on : March 10th 2026 Dans cette rubrique The ministry in action Action for peace and respect for human rights Action within the UN Security, Disarmament and Non-proliferation Emergency Humanitarian Action Protecting Human Rights Gender equality: a priority for France Commitment to international justice Digital Diplomacy Promoting a sovereign Europe The European Political Community Defence Europe France and the European Union European matters Promoting French businesses and France’s attractiveness Attracting foreign investment Attracting international students Destination France: The recovery and transformation plan for tourism Promoting French expertise in sport Supporting French exporters Supporting researchers and scientific cooperation globally The French Government’s Trade Policy Ensuring the presence of French culture Cultural Diplomacy Defending Francophonie and the French language Franco-German cooperation Supporting the cultural and creative industries Contributing to sustainable, balanced globalization Addressing the climate and environmental emergency Combating global social inequality External action of local government bodies Summits and global issues Regional strategies Role of the Foreign Affairs Ministry The Foreign and European Affairs Ministry’s international expertise helps to draw up an international legal framework and global governance, as well as contract negotiations in these sectors. It takes part in the discussions and drawing up of French policy on the future and the development of these sectors. It drafts and defines French policy within European institutions and international organizations (European Space Agency Council, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Maritime Office (IMO), Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), International Renewable Energy Agency – IRENA, Energy Charter). Partnerships The Foreign Affairs Ministry works in close and constant liaison with the other ministries which deal with strategic sectors in order to draft France’s support strategy, under the supervision of the Prime Minister. Firmly outward-looking, the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry collaborates with many institutional partners and businesses to protect France’s interests in strategic sectors on international markets. To this end, the Ministry: takes part in negotiations within international organizations and specialized working groups. For example, it leads or takes part in about ten annual bilateral aeronautical consultations; works in close collaboration with all state actors in sensitive areas: The General Secretariat for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), General Secretariat for European Affairs (SGAE), Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), National Space Study Centre (CNES), National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), but also with competition hubs; is in direct and regular contact with representatives of large industrialists, major players in the field of infrastructure and transport, actors of our scientific influence, small businesses and industrial unions for which it provides information, advice and support.