I would like to take a look back at the press conference this morning where the Invest in France Agency’s new campaign to promote France’s attractiveness as an investment location was formally launched. The campaign will be rolled out this year in many countries around the world, specifically targeting the United States, China, India, Brazil, along with European and GCC countries.
Why then are we launching this campaign? Our aims are threefold: to take full advantage of the growing number of investments from these countries or world regions which harbor such strong potential; to correct any outdated or misguided beliefs about doing business in France where they might exist; and to capitalize on the very positive image that France enjoys abroad, thanks to the numerous reforms undertaken in the last three years, where it is seen as a responsive, dynamic and innovative country.
The campaign’s slogan – “France: Expect more” – will carry a message, from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro, from Bangalore to Dalian, to foreign businesses everywhere: France can offer you more than you might expect; more entrepreneurial spirit, more creativity, more opportunities and visibility to develop your projects in Europe.
To reflect this, ten foreign companies who have already invested in France will relate their experiences in the Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Valor Econômico, The Times of India and China Business News, among other titles. The digital part of the campaign will offer variations on these themes. Ogilvy has been chosen as our partner, and Invest in France offices are involved worldwide.
France’s economic attractiveness can ultimately be gauged by the number of decisions taken to invest in the country: a press conference is arranged for March 9, 2010 when the IFA’s 2009 Report on job-creating foreign direct investment in France shall be unveiled.
David Appia
