Emmanuel Bisi🎙️ Interview conducted by Elisa Vidal as part of Globallians’ 10th anniversary.
Elisa Vidal had the pleasure of sharing an exclusive conversation with Expandys CEO Emmanuel Bisi on the evolution of economic relations between France and Australia. With nearly 20 years of experience supporting French companies internationally, Emmanuel provides his analysis of current opportunities and future prospects in this strategic partnership.
Emmanuel, how would you describe the current state of economic relations between France and Australia?
E.B.: Economic relations between France and Australia have never been stronger, more mature, or more promising. We are now in a phase of strategic consolidation. France is the 13th largest foreign investor in Australia, with over AUD 30 billion in assets, and nearly 800 French companies are established in Australia, generating around 80,000 direct jobs. A recent, rigorous survey conducted by the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI) confirms this growing dynamism and the renewed interest of French companies in the Australian market.
What stands out is the diversity of sectors involved. Some examples include:
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Infrastructure and urban transport (Alstom, Vinci, Bouygues)
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Defense and security (Naval Group, Thales)
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Renewable energy (ENGIE, Neoen)
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Logistics, retail, and supply chain (Bolloré Logistics, Decathlon)
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Healthcare, cosmetics, agri-food…
Above all, there is a rise in French SMEs and mid-sized companies, benefiting from a positive image: rigor, innovation, sustainability. The “French Touch” appeals to Australian decision-makers, and the French Tech ecosystem is also very active in Australia.
Which key sectors should be closely monitored?
E.B.: Several areas offer strong development prospects for French companies in the coming years:
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Agri-food and beverages: Organic, non-alcoholic, premium, or plant-based products are booming. Australia seeks to diversify its supply and meet growing demand for sustainable, healthy products.
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Renewable energy: Energy transition is a national priority with numerous ongoing public tenders, particularly in offshore wind, solar, and green hydrogen. French players are already well-positioned on these projects.
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Technology and cybersecurity: Cybersecurity, embedded AI, and smart tech sectors are strongly supported by the Australian government. French solutions, known for their reliability, have a real opportunity.
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Infrastructure and urban development: With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, a large investment program is underway in transport, construction, sustainable mobility, and sports facilities. This creates numerous opportunities for French companies with expertise in engineering, construction, project management, or public equipment.
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Tourism, events, and creative industries: In preparation for the Olympics, demand is increasing for innovative solutions in hospitality, catering, event security, immersive technologies, design, and branding. French expertise in these areas is highly valued.
What recent initiatives have structured this cooperation?
E.B.: The signing of the strategic roadmap in December 2023 was a turning point. It strengthens bilateral cooperation across five areas: defense, climate, education, innovation, and culture. Joint R&D agreements have also been established, along with reinforced academic exchanges in scientific fields.
Since his appointment in late 2023, the French Ambassador to Australia, Pierre-André Imbert, has brought new momentum to bilateral relations. Several concrete initiatives have emerged under his leadership:
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Opening of the Consulate General in Melbourne in September 2024 to better support the French community and businesses in Victoria.
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Creation of the FACET center at Swinburne University to strengthen cooperation in energy transition.
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Launch of the FACEF foundation, dedicated to cultural exchanges between France, Australia, and the Pacific.
These projects reflect a strong will: making the Franco-Australian partnership more strategic, concrete, and future-oriented.
Emmanuel, can we also say that the Australian economic environment remains favorable for business?
E.B.: Absolutely. Australia has one of the most stable economic records in the world. The country has experienced over 35 consecutive years of growth, excluding the Covid period, demonstrating exceptional macroeconomic resilience. In 2024, Australian GDP reached nearly €1,700 billion, with a diversified economy driven by services, natural resources, infrastructure, and innovation.
The environment is transparent, predictable, and pro-business: clear regulations, attractive taxation, political stability, and a strong banking system. Add to this strong urbanization, a skilled workforce, and one of the highest purchasing powers in the Asia-Pacific region.
Bilateral trade between France and Australia is also booming:
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Trade in goods and services exceeds €8 billion per year
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France is the 13th largest foreign investor in Australia, with €18.5 billion in assets
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French exports to Australia are around €1.35 billion, covering industry, healthcare, cosmetics, and consumer goods
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Australian exports to France amount to roughly €1.5 billion, mainly in agricultural products, energy, and mining resources
The trend is clear: Australia is a land of opportunity for French-speaking companies seeking to expand in a stable, transparent, and innovation-friendly market.
How does Expandys fit into this movement?
E.B.: We are regularly approached by French SMEs and mid-sized companies increasingly interested in the Australian market and, more broadly, the Asia-Pacific region. Australia is seen as a stable, transparent, and accessible gateway to the entire region. In response, we position ourselves as a hands-on, local operational partner, capable of structuring concrete projects aligned with company ambitions.
In the past 18 months, Expandys has supported:
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9 local subsidiary setups for French SMEs/mid-sized companies
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6 missions to identify distributors or partners
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Several sector studies (agri-food, design, medtech, non-alcoholic wines)
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An ongoing collective “no/low alcohol” mission
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Recruitment and local umbrella employment to test the market
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Hosting and support of VIE programs
Our strength lies in local anchoring in Australia, agility, and hands-on experience. I am currently the resident director for about 15 French subsidiaries established here.
Can you share some on-the-ground experiences?
E.B.: Yes. For example, an agri-food SME initially targeted retail. We repositioned the strategy toward food service and e-commerce: sales doubled in 6 months.
Another case: an industrial SME wanted to immediately set up a subsidiary. We proposed a temporary umbrella employment solution to test the market. Result: a successful, more targeted, and sustainable establishment.
What advice would you give to French companies?
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Don’t underestimate the market size: small in population, but high purchasing power.
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Establish locally: on-the-ground presence = credibility + rapid adaptation.
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Test before heavy investment: via umbrella employment, short-term missions, VIE programs.
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Nurture human relationships: trust outweighs the product sheet.
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Adapt the commercial approach: timelines, communication, and commercial terms all change.
How can we contact you?
E.B.: The easiest way is to leave a message on our contact page. My team will get it to me quickly. Whether you are planning initial prospecting or full establishment, we can help you structure a realistic, effective approach aligned with your resources and goals.
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