Since the signing of the trade agreement with the European Union in 2017, Ecuador has experienced strong growth in its exports, and France has become the fifth largest importer of Ecuadorian products within the EU. Beyond trade, the two countries share common values linked to environmental protection and the promotion of a sustainable economy. A true bridge between France and Ecuador, the Ecuadorian ambassador in Paris, Yvonne Abaki, gives us her insight into the bilateral relationship that unites these two countries.
What precisely are the main products that Ecuador exports to France, and how are these exchanges strategic for your country?
IAB : Among our main flagship products, you will of course find shrimp, of which 70% of European exports arrive in France. We also sell tuna, roses highly appreciated for their quality and longevity, as well as our cocoa, considered one of the best in the world thanks to ideal growing conditions. These sectors generate significant added value for Ecuador, both economically and socially, by providing sustainable jobs for farmers, fishermen and local entrepreneurs. For us, France is a priority market, because it offers great growth opportunities in these key sectors.
Indeed, Ecuadorian roses seem to enjoy a solid reputation. Why are they so popular, especially in France?
IAB : We are fortunate to be located right on the equatorial line. This implies a stable duration of sunshine and an almost constant temperature around 23-25°C. The roses therefore grow larger, more robust and retain their freshness much longer. This particularity is a real asset on the international market: our roses have won over French florists and consumers, who are looking for bouquets that are both aesthetic and durable. This also helps to strengthen the image of Ecuador as a country with exceptional biodiversity and unique natural conditions.
Beyond exports of agricultural or floral products, how do Ecuador and France cooperate in terms of sustainable development and environmental protection?
IAB :For several years, our two governments have increased joint initiatives. We are aware, both on the Ecuadorian side and on the French side, of the need to preserve ecosystems, in particular the Amazon. The Ecuadorian president and President Macron discussed this subject, notably raising the idea of creating an “Amazon corridor” to protect the largest tropical forest in the world. Ecuador has already completed a large debt swap project to finance the protection of the Galapagos Islands, and we plan to extend similar measures to other sensitive regions. French companies, for their part, are encouraged to invest in green projects, in responsible tourism or even in renewable energy, which strengthens the sustainable dimension of our partnership.
-The Ecuadorian Amazon is often described as one of the “lungs of the planet”. What makes it so crucial, not only for your country, but also for the rest of the world?
IAB : Indeed, the Ecuadorian Amazon has one of the densest biodiversity in the world. The Yasuni National Park area, for example, covers more than 10,000 km² and is home to thousands of plant and animal species, some of which exist nowhere else. This natural wealth is essential to regulate the climate, store carbon and maintain global ecological balance. However, the Amazon faces multiple threats: deforestation, drug trafficking, illegal mining. This is why we are seeking international support, particularly from France, to finance the protection of this region and encourage responsible exploitation of resources, when necessary.
You mention drug trafficking. What consequences does this phenomenon have on security and the economy in Ecuador? And to what extent can cooperation with France help?
IAB :Drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, has major repercussions on the security of our country. Drug traffickers sometimes use clandestine routes that pass through ecologically fragile areas, such as the Amazon, which degrades the environment and increases insecurity for local communities. Economically, this could tarnish Ecuador's image and harm our trade. We are therefore working hand in hand with France and the European Union to better control these flows and exchange police information. This cooperation is essential to guarantee the stability of the region and to protect legitimate export sectors from any negative impact.
To conclude, what prospects do you envisage for Franco-Ecuadorian economic relations in the years to come?
IAB :We first want to consolidate our traditional exports – shrimp, tuna, roses, cocoa – in order to better meet the demand of a French market concerned about quality and traceability. In the longer term, we would like to develop new collaborative sectors such as eco-responsible tourism, sustainable agriculture, high technology and renewable energies. We also aim to attract more French investment to Ecuador, thanks to tax incentives and the constant improvement of our infrastructure. Finally, we plan to strengthen our academic and scientific ties, in order to encourage exchanges of expertise and innovation. The challenge is to build shared prosperity together, while protecting Ecuador's unique biodiversity and supporting local populations.
