The main objectives are to increase trade, strengthen ties between Quebec and French businesses and promote Quebec culture.
PARIS — Quebec Premier François Legault is in France, where intends to lead an “economic mission” before taking part in the Francophonie Summit Friday and Saturday.
From Tuesday to Thursday, Legault plans to meet with political and economic figures, said his office, which declined to specify what is on the agenda.
The main objectives are to increase trade, strengthen ties between Quebec and French businesses and promote Quebec culture and the French language.
Legault will be in Paris Thursday to take part in FrancoTech, an economic forum organized by the Francophonie Summit. The event will bring together francophone entrepreneurs, including Quebecers, to promote innovation in French, strengthen the francophone economic space and encourage business meetings.
The 19th Francophonie Summit begins Friday at the Château de Villers-Cotterêts, in Paris and its suburbs.
Every two years, the summit brings together the heads of state and government of the International Organization of La Francophonie, the only international organization where Quebec sits autonomously and speaks with its own voice.
Digital technology and the discoverability of French-language content online are priorities for Quebec at the meeting. The government will also focus on promoting the French language, youth and strengthening the “economic Francophonie.”
Legault will be accompanied by the Quebec minister of international relations and La Francophonie, Martine Biron, and Henri-Paul Rousseau, the new delegate general of Quebec in Paris and former president of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also plans to attend the Francophonie Summit.