France’s policy for development and international solidarity is implemented by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group. This group is composed of the AFD, the primary agency responsible for France’s official development aid; Proparco, which focuses on private sector financing; and Expertise France, the technical cooperation agency.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee for International Cooperation and Development, chaired by the Prime Minister, defines the guidelines for France’s development cooperation policy. Three ministries steer and implement the cooperation policy: the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; the Ministry of the Economy and Finance; and the Ministry of the Interior, Overseas France, Local Authorities and Immigration.
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) published the Southeast Asia and South Asia Regional Strategy Papers 2020–2024, which outline France’s development assistance priorities. These priorities address climate, environmental, and social challenges in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. In Southeast Asia, the AFD emphasizes low-carbon development, social cohesion, and reducing inequalities. The strategy promotes sustainable management of natural resources and supports transitions toward resilient, low-carbon territories. In South Asia, AFD’s priorities include climate change mitigation, sustainable territorial management, and inclusive economic growth. Both regional strategies are consistent with France’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
In June 2024, the AFD and ADB signed an agreement for AFD’s $1.1 million grant contribution to support the Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific, managed by ADB. This initiative specifically aims to catalyze financing for nature-based solutions to support climate actions and biodiversity conservation across Asia and the Pacific.
Since becoming a member in 1970, France has committed $1.5 billion to special funds, mostly for the Asian Development Fund (ADF). The ADF provides grants to ADB’s low-income, developing member countries to help reduce poverty and improve quality of life.