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Archive for April, 2010

A film about France?

Posted by Invest in France Agency in France's image; April 23, 2010

That’s right, a short film about today’s France, open and “on the move”, which boasts so many reasons to attract foreign investors.

France’s art de vivre – the inspiration for the German expression “to live like God in France” (“to be in clover”) – is universally renowned. Yet France deserves more recognition as a business location, with so much to offer awaiting discovery.


France: Open
envoyé par AFII. – L’actualité du moment en vidéo.

The film “Open” takes us straight to the heart of this France, brimming with talent and success. It’s an exhilarating journey highlighting three interlocking strengths which mark France apart from the rest of Europe: firstly, innovation; secondly, the quality of the workforce reflected by their qualifications and high productivity; and last but not least, the openness of the domestic market. These are three essential reasons to discover a country which is successful, resourceful and imaginative, above and beyond the quality of its infrastructure and central location at the heart of Europe.

A number of longstanding investors have already recognized these advantages, as the robust performance of foreign investment in France clearly demonstrates. But it’s high time now to draw the interest of new global players to the scene as well, such as China, India and Brazil.

Our message to entrepreneurs in all of these countries is simple: you can expect more from France than you might think.

Because it has a global outlook.

Because it is continuing to pursue reform and modernization.

And because it is ready to give you a warm, professional welcome.

France. Expect More. 

Natalie Rastoin,
Managing Director, Ogilvy France

France: a paradise for data centers

Posted by Invest in France Agency in Sectors of excellence; April 19, 2010

Today, 25% of growth worldwide lies in the digital economy. As ‘virtual’ as this economy may seem, it depends on very real physical infrastructure: data centers. Trade associations in telecommunications and electrical equipment engineering came together in 2009 to form “France for data centers”, seeking to prove that France is in fact an ideal host country.

Virginia Tech - data center’ by cbowns on flickr

‘Virginia Tech - data center’ by cbowns on flickr

These large metal cabinets house crucial components of the global economy. The internet would simply not exist without them. Every financial transaction for banks, stock markets and companies travels through them. It goes without saying that choosing where to locate data centers is a matter for serious consideration…

Indian investors meeting in France

Posted by Invest in France Agency in Country focus, Events, Message from the Ambassador; April 16, 2010

The “Indian Investors Club”, created to support the development of Indian companies in France, met last week at the IFA’s headquarters in Paris. Around 60 companies and business people from France and India took part in this seminar, including 18 companies who travelled from India especially for the occasion. On the agenda were topics such as international mobility, corporate taxation and how to expand into the French market. 

India has come to the forefront in recent years as a treasured investment partner: over 80 companies from the country have established themselves in France, mostly in the software/IT services sector, the consulting, engineering and business services sector and the electrical, electronic and IT equipment sector. 

‘Turnkey Termination’

Posted by Invest in France Agency in Reforms; April 12, 2010

France has a simple and effective contract termination procedure called ‘termination by agreement’ (‘rupture conventionnelle’) that meets the needs of employers and employees alike. This new procedure for terminating contracts by mutual consent has proved to be very successful. In 18 months, nearly 250,000 agreements have been signed – over 600 per day! Employers and employees are clearly convinced by this new type of amicable divorce”, which offers both flexibility and security.

Termination “flexicurity”

‘Termination by agreement’ has the advantages of flexibility, security and simplicity. The employee can receive unemployment benefits and the employer does not need to provide a reason for the termination. Both parties agree on an end date for the contract and no specific advance notice is required. A termination payment is made equal to what would be provided as a redundancy payment…

Setting up shop in Paris: attractive real estate deals

Posted by Invest in France Agency in Sectors of excellence; April 7, 2010

Paris, the City of Light. Paris, the most popular tourist destination in the world. Yet Paris is also irrefutably a business destination and proof of this was published in February in the 2010/11 issue of fDi Magazine’s “European Cities & Regions of the Future” rankings. Paris came in second place in its Top 25 list as a city offering numerous benefits for anyone looking to make foreign investments.

One of its many advantages is real estate, a major factor in the capital city’s attractiveness to investors. Paris offers a wide range of modern properties at competitive prices…