Foreign investment decisions on the rise in 2016

In 2016, foreign companies took 1,117 investment decisions which targeted France (+ 16%, or 21 decisions on average per week; the best year in the last 10 years). These decisions have created or maintained 30,108 jobs in the country.

51% of these investment decisions were new sites creations, a 20% increase compared to last year. France’s geographical positioning, coupled with its quality transport infrastructure, make it a hub to access other European countries or North Africa. Hence, more than 80% of foreign companies consider France a platform for export activities (source: Kantar Public).

Production and logistics along with R&D are two driving sectors

According to Business France: “Foreign companies invest primarily in production and logistics activities, with 31% of investments made in France.”
“Research and development projects represent 10% of investment decisions, a 32% growth compared to 2015: 115 investment decisions, of which 72 were directed toward research activities. As such, subsidiaries of foreign groups contribute to 28% of R&D expenditures in France”.
These excellent results confirm France as an attractive business location for foreign investors. Its large domestic market (66 million inhabitants and a Gross Domestic Product of 41,005 USD per capita in 20015), fast and reliable transport network, qualified and productive labor force and its favorable environment for R&D activities are a few of its key advantages.

Local authorities play a major role in helping companies setting up in France

In order to speed up the implementation of investments plans, local authorities and economic development agencies provide a broad range of services such as legal and tax information, administrative support or real estate solutions.