PARIS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- French Defense Minister Florence Parly on Thursday hailed United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s order of two Gowind-class corvettes from the state-owned shipbuilder Naval Group, calling it "a new success for French exports".
"This decision further strengthens the strategic and military partnership between France and UAE," the minister said.
"Exports of military equipment are part of France's defense and security policy. Vital to our defense industry and the equipment of our armed forces, they also contribute to our country's strategic autonomy and influence," she added.
Defense is one of France's key businesses with reported orders worth 14 billion euros (16.3 billion U.S. dollars) in 2016.
Currently, the sector employs 165,000 workers. The figure is expected to increase to 200,000 in the next decade, according to defense ministry data.
