French Minister of State for Foreign Trade Anne-Marie Idrac visited Chicago, Houston and Miami to promote transatlantic direct investment, especially regarding energy and public transportation. 

Her Excellency Anne-Marie Idrac visited Houston on May 4 and 5, met with French companies exhibiting under the GEP & Ubifrance’s pavilion at the Offshore Technology Conference, spoke to the French-American Chamber of Commerce’s OTC breakfast on the importance of security in the future of the Oil & Gas industry, met with Houston Mayor Annise Parker and spoke of the future of transatlantic commercial relations especially between France and Texas at the French-American Chamber of Commerce Keynote Speaker Series luncheon.

She said prior to her visit: “I spend two thirds of my time abroad to open new markets for the French Export Team. France like Texas is on the move, both are competitive and attractive. They share a common interest in the energy sector. I am going to Texas to pave the way for French businesses in this leading American State.”

Former Council Member Peter Brown celebrated her venue by delivering a welcome speech in French at the OTC Breakfast in which he highlighted the importance of the French business community in Texas and the greatness of the Paris Metro and TGVs - French fast trains.

The OTC Breakfast featured Mr. Schenckery, Oil & Gas Attache from the French Consulate in Houston, Mr. McDaniel, Chief Procurement Officer of ConocoPhillips, and Mr. Barthelemy Executive Senior Vice-President of the French Petroleum Institute. Each speaker analyzed innovation, procurement and technological challenges in offshore projects for 2010.

Texas Senator Rodney Ellis addressed FACC guests at the Houstonian by reasserting the strength of the French community in Texas. FACC Chairman Jean-Francois Bonneté added that France is a key partner for us, in terms of trade.  In the last two years, Texas exports to France have exceeded $2 billion.  France's direct foreign investment in Texas exceeds $11 billion.

Her Excellency Anne-Marie Idrac explained that even though Germany and other European countries are the first trade partners from France the current financial crisis made it clear that France needs to increase the portion of other regions outside of Europe. She lightly added: "Texas could be the best place in the world to be.  I am ready to believe that maybe, maybe after Paris, if you don't mind, maybe after Nice, to which Houston is in sistership.  Houston really seems to be a very, very vibrant place to be."