Lego wants French-speaking countries to ‘do more business together’

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Djerba, Tunisia — French-speaking countries need to “do more business together”, said Quebec Premier François Legault at the Francophonie Economic Forum in Djerba on Sunday.

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About 500 businessmen from the 88 states and government members of the Francophonie have gathered at a Tunisian island hotel as part of the Francophonie Somet.

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In his 15-minute speech, Legault said Quebec, which primarily trades with the United States, wants to “diversify” its market. He invited the forum to “rebuild supply chains” after the pandemic’s upheaval. “That’s another reason he cooperates,” he said.

Earlier on Sunday, Legault met with the Mouvement des entreprises de France (MEDEF) and said it wanted a dual trade with France.

Now, the $5 billion a year deal is “peanuts,” Lego said with a laugh and applause. He said he wants Quebec to be “the gateway to the French-speaking countries of America” ​​and “you, the French-speaking country, to be the gateway to Europe and Africa”.

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He asked why Alstom would do business with German and Chinese shipping companies when it was hiring “more French-speaking people.”

When asked about relations between Quebec and China, Legault said he had calmed down. China is Quebec’s second largest export destination after the United States. Quebec has her four offices in China in Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao and Shenzhen.

Legault has ruled out the idea of ​​going directly to China, as his predecessor Philippe Couillard did in 2018.

Quebec also announced during the summit that it would invest $10 million over three years to train workers in the Francophone countries.

The next Francophonia Summit will be held in Paris in 2024, announced the reappointment of Louise Mushikiwabo, Executive Director of the International Organization for Francophonie.