This morning, while reading an article in Le Monde that confirmed what I observe daily from Perth, I felt that familiar sensation of dislocation. Not just geographical, these 14,000 kilometres that separate me from Paris, but especially this contrast between two worldviews that are evolving in opposite directions. Economist Jean-Marc Daniel described the reorganisation of globalisation around new economic basins, with the Indian Ocean gradually asserting itself as the centre of gravity of the 21st century.
Since I moved to Perth eight years ago, after fifteen years spent in the French business ecosystem, I have been experiencing this transformation from the inside. On one side, the Europe I left, struggling to regain its dynamism in a context of global slowdown. On the other, Western Australia where I live today, positioned at the heart of this new economic geography, with trade flows intensifying month by month towards India, Indonesia, Singapore and beyond. This dual perspective, European by training and Australian by daily life, allows me to grasp something essential that many French companies have not yet fully realised: we are not facing a simple economic cycle, but rather a structural shift that is redrawing the global industrial and commercial geography. And in this redistribution of cards, Western Australia has strategic advantages that few regions can claim.
Globalisation is Reinventing Itself: Heading Towards the Indian Ocean
An unprecedented geographical and economic shift
The major international economic institutions are now openly confirming this. The OECD and the IMF identify three trends that define future growth: a global slowdown that will see world growth drop from 32% in 2025 to 29% in 2026, a geographical split with Asian and emerging economies growing while Europe and, to a lesser extent, North America stagnate, and a proliferation of economic policies that will not necessarily result from classic Keynesian policies but rather from approaches adapted to local realities. What stands out in these analyses is the observation of a clear bifurcation. On one side, the traditional developed economies that peaked in growth in the 1960s and now struggle to exceed 1.5% annually. On the other, the emerging powers of the South, particularly those bordering the Indian Ocean, which show rates two to four times higher and, above all, a strong structural dynamic.
The Indian Ocean today is home to 2.7 billion people along its coasts, which is more than a third of the world's population, and accounts for 40% of global maritime trade. These figures alone should attract attention, but what makes them truly significant is the growth trajectory of the economies involved and their increasing interconnection. A comparison with other ocean basins reveals the scale of the ongoing shift. The Atlantic, which dominated global trade from the 17th to the 20th century, is seeing its relative importance decline in the face of European economic difficulties and the partial reorientation of the American economy. The Pacific itself, long presented as the basin of the future, is becoming more complex with Sino-American geopolitical tensions and the fragmentation of supply chains. The Indian Ocean, on the other hand, benefits from a different dynamic, less marked by direct confrontations between great powers and more structured by pragmatic economic partnerships among emerging countries. What economists now refer to as the "Triple South," this increased cooperation between India, China, and emerging powers, is particularly evident in the Indian basin where traditional maritime routes are becoming denser and new trade corridors are emerging.
Why the Indian Ocean now?
The factors driving the Indian Ocean to the centre of global growth are demographic, economic, and technological. India, with its 1.4 billion inhabitants and a growth rate fluctuating between 6 and 7% annually, is on track to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2030. This is no longer a distant projection but a reality unfolding before our eyes, driven by a middle class of 400 million people whose purchasing power is rapidly increasing and whose consumption aspirations are approaching Western standards while retaining strong cultural specificities. Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world with 270 million inhabitants, shows stable growth around 5% and is methodically developing its infrastructure, industrial capacities, and regional connectivity. The Indonesian government has made maritime development a national priority, with massive investments in ports, shipbuilding, and inter-island connections that are gradually transforming this archipelago into a logistics hub. East Africa represents one of the most dynamic growth areas on the planet, with a favourable demographic, rapid digitalisation, and accelerating regional economic integration through the Mombasa-Nairobi-Kampala corridor and beyond.
What makes this dynamic particularly interesting for French companies is the very nature of growth in these regions. It is not simply a quantitative expansion but a genuine qualitative upgrade. The middle classes in India and Indonesia are not just looking for cheap products but are actively seeking quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. French brands, whether in food and beverage, luxury, technology, or services, benefit from a premium image in these markets that value European excellence. From Perth, I witness this evolution daily through the trade flows that pass through the ports of Western Australia. Exports of Australian wines to India have exploded in the last five years, not in massive volume but in premium ranges. Western Australian rock lobsters, among the most expensive in the world, are sought after in Bombay, Jakarta, and Singapore by a clientele that prioritises quality and traceability. This trend applies well beyond food and beverage and affects all sectors where expertise and innovation make a difference.
Perth and WA: Unique Positioning in the Face of this New Geography
A geography that is becoming a strategic advantage
Western Australia, and Perth in particular, occupies a position that naturally places it at the heart of trade with the Indian Ocean region. Perth is the closest Australian state capital to India and Indonesia, closer to Jakarta than to Sydney, and closer to Singapore than to Melbourne. This proximity is not just a geographical curiosity; it translates into tangible operational advantages. The time zones operate almost synchronously with Singapore, Malaysia, and much of Indonesia, facilitating real-time communication and team coordination. Direct flight connections are increasing, with daily flights to Singapore, Jakarta, and recently regular connections to New Delhi, significantly reducing travel times. The world-class port infrastructure, including Fremantle for containers, Port Hedland for minerals, and Kwinana for industry and energy, positions the state as a natural logistics platform for the entire Indian Ocean region.
This favourable geography is accompanied by infrastructure that has been developed specifically to facilitate these regional exchanges. The port of Fremantle has invested heavily in recent years in modernising its facilities and expanding its capacities. The processing times for containers there are among the shortest in the Asia-Pacific region, and maritime connections to India, Indonesia, and Singapore are daily. Port Hedland, one of the largest mineral export ports in the world, handles over 500 million tonnes annually, primarily to China but increasingly to India, whose demand for raw materials is skyrocketing with its massive infrastructure programs. Kwinana concentrates heavy industries, refineries, and now new projects for green hydrogen and critical mineral processing aimed at Asian markets.
The already active WA-Indian Ocean trade corridors
Trade between Western Australia and the Indian Ocean rim economies is not a futuristic projection but an operational reality that is growing year on year. Official statistics from the WA government show a 45% increase in exports to India since 2020, and a 32% increase to Indonesia over the same period. These figures reflect a gradual diversification of trading partners towards a more balanced portfolio that includes the emerging economies of the Indian basin. The energy sector perfectly illustrates this dynamic. Woodside Energy, an Australian major in liquefied natural gas based in Perth, is currently developing the Scarborough Gas project with an investment of AUD 12 billion. This massive project aims to produce LNG primarily for Asian markets, with long-term contracts already signed with buyers in India, Japan, and Korea. Export shipping routes naturally transit through the Indian Ocean, and Perth serves as the operational base for the entire project.
In the mining sector, Roy Hill, the company owned by Gina Rinehart that operates one of the largest iron ore mines in the Pilbara, exports 55 million tonnes annually. Historically focused on the Chinese market, Roy Hill has strategically diversified towards India in recent years, signing long-term contracts with JSW Steel and Adani, two major Indian industrial conglomerates. India, which is heavily investing in its road, rail, and urban infrastructure, is seeing its steel needs—and therefore its iron ore requirements—grow exponentially. Forecasts indicate that India could become the second-largest consumer of iron ore in the world by 2030, creating significant opportunities for Australian producers who are geographically and commercially positioned to serve this market.
The Australia-EU Trade Agreement: A Catalyst for Opportunities for French Businesses
A renewed momentum in 2025
A major strategic element is enhancing the attractiveness of Western Australia for European businesses: the revival of negotiations for the free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union. Launched in 2018, these negotiations were suspended in 2023 due to disagreements mainly concerning access to the European agricultural market and the protection of geographical indications. However, 2025 marks a decisive turning point. European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell have met several times since November 2025 to revive discussions, with renewed optimism fueled by global trade uncertainties and US tariff measures that have reminded everyone of the importance of diversifying trade partnerships.
The European Union, a bloc of 450 million consumers with a nominal GDP of $19.4 trillion in 2024, represents Australia's third-largest trading partner and its second-largest source of foreign investment. Bilateral trade reached significant levels in 2024, with $17.3 billion in Australian goods exports and $64 billion in imports from the EU. The free trade agreement could increase Australia's GDP by $7.4 billion over the next decade according to preliminary estimates, while reducing tariffs on nearly 98% of traded goods. For French businesses, this agreement will open up concrete opportunities: a gradual elimination of customs tariffs on exports to Australia, facilitation of cross-investments with a secure legal framework, mutual recognition of professional qualifications allowing for talent mobility, and enhanced cooperation on critical minerals and clean energy technologies.
Practical implications for the expansion of French SMEs
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the agreement could even include provisions facilitating the mobility of workers, allowing Europeans to live and work in Australia without necessarily securing a job beforehand, and vice versa for Australians in Europe. This human dimension of the agreement, often overlooked in purely commercial analyses, could radically transform the ability of French SMEs to establish themselves sustainably in Western Australia. Sending technical teams for long missions, seconding executives to develop local markets, recruiting Australian talent to strengthen teams in France, all these operations would become significantly simpler and less costly. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the strategic importance of this agreement at the G7 summit, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly expressed her support, demonstrating political will at the highest level.
Observers of the Australian business sector now believe that the agreement could be finalised in the coming months, with the EU having clearly signalled that Australia is its "top priority" following the recent conclusion of the agreement with Mercosur. For French companies considering their expansion into Australia and the Indian Ocean region, this timing is optimal: establishing a presence now, before the finalisation of the agreement, allows for the building of operational and commercial foundations that can then fully benefit from the tariff and regulatory advantages once the agreement is in force. Early entrants will not only have the advantage of an established position but also the opportunity to immediately capitalise on the new opportunities that the agreement will create.
Promising Sectors: Where Opportunities for French Businesses Are Found
Energy transition and green hydrogen
The global energy transition is creating massive opportunities in the Indian basin, and Western Australia is positioning itself as a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen and renewable energy. The Asian Renewable Energy Hub project, located in the Pilbara, represents one of the most ambitious investments in the world in this field, with 36 billion Australian dollars committed. This mega-project plans to install 26 gigawatts of renewable electricity generation capacity combining wind and solar, intended to power electrolyzers producing green hydrogen and ammonia for export to Asian markets. Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have already expressed their interest in securing long-term supplies, and maritime routes via the Indian Ocean are at the heart of the logistics strategy.
The H2Perth project illustrates a complementary approach with a consortium including Mitsui and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, two leading Japanese industrial companies. This project aims to produce liquid hydrogen in Perth for direct export to Japan via specialised ships. The Japanese government, committed to an ambitious decarbonisation strategy, has identified imported hydrogen as a central solution and is actively seeking to diversify its supply sources. For French companies specialising in electrolysis technologies like Air Liquide or McPhy, in storage and compression systems, or in maritime transport of hydrogen, these projects represent significant partnership opportunities. French expertise in energy engineering is recognised and sought after, and a presence in Western Australia would allow for active participation in these developments while establishing a base to extend into the entire Indian Ocean region where similar projects are emerging in India, Indonesia, and the Middle East.
IT, cybersecurity and digital technologies
The information technology and cybersecurity sector is experiencing explosive growth in Western Australia, driven by both local needs and the state's positioning as a regional technology hub. The digital sector in WA employs over 60,000 workers with a workforce growth rate 2.6 times faster than the overall economy. The mining industry in WA, a global leader in automation and applied artificial intelligence, generates a constant demand for advanced IT solutions. Rio Tinto operates autonomous trains over 1,700 kilometres of railway, controlled from Perth via extremely sophisticated satellite communication and computer vision systems. BHP uses autonomous trucks in its Pilbara mines, with fleets of 400-tonne vehicles driven by artificial intelligence systems that optimise routes, fuel consumption, and safety in real-time. These technologies, developed for the mining sector under extreme conditions, are now finding applications in precision agriculture, port logistics, urban infrastructure management, and beyond.
Cybersecurity represents a major strategic challenge for both WA and the entire Indian Ocean region. Australia has made digital sovereignty a national priority with massive government investments, and WA concentrates a significant share of these efforts given the strategic importance of its critical infrastructure. The Australian government recently allocated $1.5 billion to the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, and major companies in WA are also investing heavily to protect their systems against increasingly sophisticated threats. For French companies specialising in cybersecurity, cryptography, industrial system protection, or applied artificial intelligence, WA offers a receptive and technically demanding market. French expertise in these areas is globally recognised, particularly through companies like Thales, Atos, or Capgemini that are already operating in Australia, but many specialised French SMEs could find significant growth opportunities.
Premium food and aquaculture
Western Australia has positioned itself as a benchmark producer for several premium agri-food segments, with demand surging in the emerging economies of the Indian Ocean basin. The rock lobsters (crayfish) from Western Australia, recognised as among the best in the world, regularly fetch prices of AUD 60 per kilogram, with 90% of production exported mainly to China but increasingly to India and Singapore. The affluent Indian classes are developing a growing appetite for premium seafood, and specialised distributors in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore are actively seeking reliable and traceable supplies. Abalone, king prawns, southern bluefin tuna, and other premium species produced in Western Australia are following the same trajectory, benefiting from an image of purity, quality, and sustainable resource management. The wine sector in Margaret River, an internationally recognised premium region of WA, is seeing its exports to Asia steadily increase, with particularly strong demand for traditional French grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay produced in the unique climatic conditions of this region.
For French companies, opportunities in this sector are not limited to simple export but extend across the entire value chain. Agri-food processing, premium packaging, cold chain technologies, blockchain traceability systems, and specialised logistics represent niches where French expertise can be deployed. French SMEs specialising in packaging under protective atmosphere, high-end biodegradable packaging, and innovative preservation solutions could find in WA both a dynamic local market and a platform for export to the entire Indian Ocean region. French expertise in gastronomy and the promotion of local products resonates particularly well in a context where Asian consumers seek not only quality but also the story, authenticity, and craftsmanship behind the products.
Luxury, fashion, perfume, jewellery, and watchmaking
The French luxury sector enjoys an unparalleled global reputation, and the emerging markets of the Indian basin represent exceptional growth territories. India now has over 400,000 dollar millionaires, and this wealthy population is growing at 10% annually. Singapore, despite its modest size, has one of the highest densities of millionaires in the world and serves as a regional hub for luxury in Southeast Asia. Indonesia, with Jakarta as its economic capital, is seeing the emergence of an ultra-wealthy class whose consumption behaviours are rapidly aligning with international luxury standards. These consumers actively seek out French brands, whether in leather goods, high jewellery, prestige watchmaking, or perfumery, as "French luxury" remains synonymous with excellence, refinement, and high social status. However, compared to the American or even Chinese market, the Indian basin remains relatively under-penetrated by French luxury brands, creating a window of opportunity.
Perth and Western Australia can play a specific role in this expansion. Firstly, as a local market that is modest in volume but extremely qualified, with a wealthy population that values authentic luxury and has one of the highest purchasing powers in the world. Secondly, and perhaps more strategically, as a regional operational base to develop the Indian and Indonesian markets. A French jewellery house establishing a presence in Perth would benefit from Australia's regulatory stability, a legal framework that effectively protects intellectual property, top-notch logistical infrastructure, and sufficient cultural proximity to test its approaches before deploying them on a larger scale. The international trade shows in Perth, particularly in the mining and energy sectors, regularly attract business delegations from India, Indonesia, and the Middle East, whose members precisely represent the target clientele for French luxury.
French luxury perfume and cosmetics could also benefit from similar strategies. Niche brands, independent perfumers, and bio-luxury cosmetic houses struggling to penetrate the saturated distribution channels in Europe could find interesting opportunities in WA and then in the Indian basin. Wealthy Asian consumers are increasingly seeking exclusivity, personalization, and authenticity rather than mass-prestige brands. Distribution channels are rapidly evolving with luxury e-commerce, pop-up shops in five-star hotels, and private sales organised for a selected clientele. A French brand that can adapt its business model to these new realities while preserving its DNA of excellence could grow significantly.
Maritime, port and logistics technologies
The Indian Ocean is undergoing a major transformation of its maritime and port infrastructure. India has launched the Sagarmala Project, a $125 billion investment programme aimed at modernising its 12 major ports and 200 minor ports, developing port special economic zones, and optimising logistics chains. This programme spans 20 years and represents one of the largest maritime infrastructure transformations ever undertaken. Indonesia is heavily investing in the development of secondary ports across its archipelago. East Africa is developing the LAPSSET corridor, which connects Lamu in Kenya to Juba in South Sudan and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, including a new deep-water port, a transcontinental highway, and a modern railway line. These projects create significant demand for advanced port technologies, automated management systems, handling equipment, maritime cybersecurity solutions, and logistics optimisation consulting services.
French companies have a recognised expertise in these areas. CMA CGM, the world's third-largest shipping company, is actively developing its presence in the Indian Ocean with regular services connecting India, the Middle East, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. Vinci Concessions manages port terminals in several countries and could expand its footprint in the region. Bolloré Logistics, with its African experience, has advantages for developing along the East African coast. But beyond these large groups, many French SMEs specialising in port management systems, container terminal automation, real-time tracking solutions, predictive maintenance of port equipment, or personnel training could find opportunities. Western Australia, with its three major ports that have invested heavily in modernisation and automation, offers both a technological demonstration ground and an operational base for developing regional projects.
Defence and maritime security industries
The Indian Ocean is facing increasing maritime security challenges that create sustained demand for advanced defence technologies and services. Piracy, although reduced compared to the peaks of 2000-2010, remains a threat in certain areas. Illicit trafficking is heavily transiting through maritime routes. Questions of maritime sovereignty are becoming increasingly acute, with several coastal countries seeking to enhance their surveillance and control capabilities over their exclusive economic zones. In this context, maritime surveillance technologies, detection systems, naval drones, naval cybersecurity solutions, and inter-agency coordination platforms are experiencing strong demand.
The French defence industry has a reputation for excellence in these areas. Naval Group has won major contracts in India for the construction of Scorpène submarines under licence. Thales, already well established in Australia with major contracts for the Collins submarines and a significant presence in Western Australia, is developing advanced sonar systems and electronic warfare technologies. The AUKUS programme, which plans for the construction of nuclear submarines in Australia with an investment of AUD 368 billion over 30 years, positions Henderson Naval Base in Western Australia as a regional strategic hub. This programme creates considerable opportunities for specialised subcontractors, and French companies with complementary expertise in combat systems, defence electronics, advanced composite materials, or propulsion technologies could identify collaboration niches.
High-end tourism and hospitality
Tourism in the Indian Ocean region is undergoing a profound transformation with the emergence of wealthy regional clientele seeking premium and authentic experiences. Wealthy Indian classes are increasingly travelling, not only to traditional European destinations but also to regional destinations renowned for their excellence. Western Australia has considerable assets: Margaret River combines spectacular landscapes, world-class winemaking, fine dining, and a rapidly developing hotel offering in the premium segment. Ningaloo Reef, a lesser-known UNESCO site than the Great Barrier Reef but equally spectacular, offers exceptional diving and marine wildlife observation opportunities. The Kimberley, a wild and preserved region in the Northwest, attracts an ultra-premium clientele seeking authentic adventure. Rottnest Island, accessible by ferry from Perth, combines paradise beaches and unique wildlife.
Air connectivity is gradually improving with direct Perth-New Delhi flights operated by Qantas, daily connections to Singapore, and regular links to Jakarta. WA tourism statistics show a steady growth in visitors from India and Southeast Asia, with an average spend per visitor significantly higher, reflecting a clientele that prioritises quality. For French high-end tourism operators, luxury hoteliers, gourmet restaurateurs, or creators of premium experiences, this dynamic represents interesting opportunities. Wine tourism in Margaret River could particularly benefit from French expertise, combining local winemaking excellence with French know-how in hospitality, gastronomy, and heritage enhancement.
The Real Challenges to Anticipate
Geopolitical complexity of the Indian Ocean region
Talking about the Indian Ocean region without mentioning its geopolitical tensions would be dishonest. The rivalry between India and China increasingly shapes regional dynamics, with direct implications for businesses operating there. China's Belt and Road Initiative seeks to secure maritime routes and expand Beijing's influence through massive investments in the port infrastructure of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Djibouti, and beyond. India responds with its own Indo-Pacific partnership strategy, aiming to strengthen its ties with Australia, Japan, the United States, and ASEAN to counterbalance Chinese influence. These dynamics create opportunities but also risks for Western companies that must navigate carefully to avoid being caught in confrontational logics that exceed their commercial interests.
In this complex context, Australia represents a strategic advantage for European companies. Australia maintains robust trade relations with China while strengthening its strategic partnerships with India, Japan, and ASEAN, demonstrating that a balanced approach remains possible. The Australian legal framework, the stability of its institutions, and the predictability of its public policies provide companies with a secure base from which to develop their regional activities without being directly exposed to the political volatility of certain coastal countries. A French company based in Western Australia benefits from Australia's credibility and relative neutrality in regional geopolitical dynamics while retaining privileged access to emerging markets.
Cultural, linguistic, and regulatory diversity
The Indian Ocean region brings together a cultural, linguistic, and regulatory diversity that can destabilise European companies accustomed to the gradual harmonisation of the European single market. Seven time zones separate East Africa from Southeast Asia. Dozens of official languages coexist, with English serving as a commercial lingua franca, although proficiency varies significantly. Legal systems differ radically, from the British common law inherited by India and Australia to the civil law systems influenced by France in East Africa, as well as mixed systems incorporating elements of Islamic law in Indonesia. Business practices, communication codes, negotiation processes, the role of hierarchy in organisations, and the importance of personal relationships before transactions vary considerably from country to country and require constant adaptation.
This complexity should not be underestimated, but it is not insurmountable, especially for companies that adopt a humble approach and invest in local understanding. The companies that succeed in the Indian basin are those that are willing to learn, that recruit local talent, that invest time in building trust-based relationships, that adapt their products and services to local specifics while preserving their DNA. The French have an advantage in this dimension: our own internal cultural diversity, our history of presence in many regions of the world, and our ability to navigate between different cultural universes are transferable skills. The importance placed in French culture on human relationships, on the time for discussion before decision-making, and on the search for consensus often resonates positively in Asian and African cultures where the relational dimension of business remains central.
Infrastructure and connectivity still under construction
Despite the considerable progress made in recent years, the infrastructure in the Indian basin remains uneven, and connectivity, whether physical or digital, still has gaps that impact business operations. Digital connectivity varies significantly, with excellent internet speeds in major metropolitan areas but deteriorating rapidly in secondary regions. Ground transport infrastructure, although improving quickly due to massive investments, often remains inadequate to effectively support the logistical flows necessary for modern trade. Supply chains exhibit vulnerabilities related to these infrastructural weaknesses, with lead times that can be unpredictable and logistics costs that remain high. Customs systems, while progressing towards digitalisation, often retain complex procedures that extend clearance times.
These infrastructural limitations require companies to adopt a patient approach and build their strategies for the long term rather than seeking quick returns. Investments in the Indian Ocean region should be considered over a minimum horizon of 5 to 10 years, allowing time for infrastructure to continue developing and markets to reach their full maturity. This patience may deter some companies used to short cycles, but it also represents a barrier to entry that protects those willing to commit sustainably. WA offers a significant advantage in this context as a stable operational base from which to gradually manage regional expansion. A company can establish its logistics capabilities, IT systems, and staff training in Western Australia where everything operates predictably and reliably, and then gradually deploy to regional markets by adapting its processes to local realities without compromising the quality of its operations.
WA as a Strategic Platform to the Indian Ocean
Why start from WA rather than Sydney or Melbourne?
The question arises regularly: why favour Perth and Western Australia over Sydney or Melbourne, larger cities that are better known and seemingly more internationally connected? The answer lies in several factors that, combined, create a specific strategic advantage for businesses targeting the Indian Ocean region. First, there is pure geographical proximity: Perth is two hours closer to Jakarta than Sydney, three hours closer to Singapore, and five hours closer to Mumbai. These hours make the difference between a day of travel and two, between the possibility of multiplying business trips or being forced into long stays. The almost synchronous time zones with Asian markets allow for real-time communication during business hours, a considerable advantage when Sydney has to deal with a two or three-hour time difference that complicates daily coordination.
Furthermore, the costs of establishment and operation remain significantly lower. Commercial real estate in Perth is on average 40% cheaper than in Sydney for equivalent spaces. Salaries, while high by international standards, are still 10 to 15% lower than those in the East Coast capitals. The cost of living for expatriate teams is also more moderate, with a more accessible residential real estate market and a quality of life often considered superior due to reduced commuting times, a pleasant Mediterranean climate, and easy access to natural spaces. The dominant industrial sectors in Western Australia, particularly energy, resources, and maritime, are precisely those experiencing the strongest growth in the Indian basin, creating natural synergies and an ecosystem of suppliers, specialised service providers, and technical skills directly transferable to regional markets.
The Western Australian government is also implementing proactive policies to attract foreign investment and support business development. Programs like the Investment Attraction and New Industries Fund, which has AUD 100 million, and clear sector strategies in hydrogen, defence, advanced technologies, and medical sciences create a predictable environment where businesses can plan their long-term investments. Regulatory approval processes are generally faster and less bureaucratic than in Sydney or Melbourne, where administrative saturation can significantly slow down projects.
First movers, sustainable advantages
Economic history shows that companies that establish themselves early in emerging markets before they reach full maturity often benefit from sustainable competitive advantages. These advantages take several forms: building reputations and trust relationships that in Asian and African cultures often constitute more effective barriers to entry than patents or pricing, learning the regulatory and cultural specifics that help avoid the costly mistakes that new entrants will inevitably make, privileged access to the best local partners, distributors, and suppliers that will no longer be available once the market is saturated, and the ability to influence industry standards and practices before they become fixed. Several French companies have already understood this dynamic and are gradually establishing themselves in Western Australia.
Total Energies is involved in the Ichthys LNG project, one of the largest gas projects ever developed in Australia, with processing facilities in Western Australia and a strategic stake in an asset that will export to Asia for several decades. This presence gives Total a deep understanding of the regional energy market, established relationships with all key players, and a reputation as a reliable partner that facilitates the development of new projects. Technip Energies, a global leader in engineering for LNG projects, has developed a strong presence in Australia to serve the many gas projects in the country. Alstom provides rail equipment for the Pilbara mines, demonstrating its ability to operate in the extreme conditions of Western Australia and building a reference that can be exported to other mining regions. The window of opportunity remains open but it will not stay open indefinitely. American companies are investing heavily in the Indian basin, Asian companies are rapidly developing their capabilities, and European companies are beginning to realise the strategic importance of the region. In five years, the Indian basin will be significantly more competitive, the best positions will be occupied, and the most interesting partners will already be contractually bound.
Seize the Tipping Point
This morning, as I closed the article from Le Monde confirming the geographical shift of global growth towards the Indian Ocean, I thought of the many French entrepreneurs I have spoken with in recent months, brilliant, skilled, innovative, but often paralysed by the perceived complexity of international expansion into markets they know little about. Geographical distance, cultural differences, regulatory uncertainty, and the required investments all create psychological barriers that prevent many businesses from seizing real and accessible opportunities. Yet, conditions rarely converge so favourably. Globalisation is reorganising, and companies that understand this transformation before it becomes obvious to everyone will benefit from sustainable competitive advantages.
The Indian Ocean is establishing itself as the new growth basin with its 2.7 billion inhabitants, dynamic emerging economies, and a rapidly expanding middle class that is specifically seeking the quality and expertise that French companies can offer. Western Australia has a unique positioning in this new geography, being geographically close to growing markets, culturally aligned with Western standards, regulatory stable and predictable, and infrastructure developed to support complex business operations. The promising sectors are clearly identified: energy transition and green hydrogen, IT technologies and cybersecurity, premium agri-food and aquaculture, luxury and creative industries, maritime and port technologies, defence and security, high-end tourism. Business cases already exist, from Woodside Energy to Roy Hill, from H2Perth to Asian Renewable Energy Hub, demonstrating that the opportunities are not theoretical but operational.
The Australia-EU free trade agreement currently being finalised will enhance these opportunities by eliminating tariff barriers, facilitating cross-investments, and simplifying talent mobility. The challenges are real: regional geopolitical complexity, cultural and regulatory diversity, and infrastructure still developing in certain areas. But these challenges are manageable with the right approach, the right expertise, and the right partners. The French companies that will succeed are those that adopt a patient and progressive approach, invest in local understanding, build authentic partnerships rather than seeking quick wins, and adapt their offerings to regional specifics while maintaining their excellence.
Ma conviction profonde, nourrie par l'observation quotidienne depuis Perth de ces flux commerciaux qui s'intensifient, de ces projets qui se concrétisent, de ces entreprises qui se développent, est que les cinq prochaines années représentent une fenêtre d'opportunité exceptionnelle. Les entreprises qui agiront maintenant se positionneront durablement. Celles qui attendront devront se battre dans un environnement beaucoup plus compétitif. Fort de mon expérience dans les organisations patronales françaises et de mes huit années en Australie-Occidentale, j'ai développé Confluence Pacific précisément pour faciliter ces connexions franco-australiennes et accompagner les PME françaises qui veulent saisir intelligemment les opportunités du bassin indien. Si vous dirigez une entreprise française et envisagez sérieusement cette expansion, contactez-moi pour un premier échange qui nous permettra d'évaluer ensemble si et comment votre projet peut se concrétiser. La croissance de demain se construit aujourd'hui, et elle se joue largement dans l'Océan Indien.