France is an open economy
Europe’s most attractive country
for foreign investment in 2021
(EY, 2022)
#1 OECD country
in terms of public funding and tax incentives for business R&D
(OECD, 2021)
67.8 million consumers
(Insee, 2022)
Discover The Annual Report 2021 Foreign investment in France
In 2021, France welcomed 1,607 foreign investment projects, which created or maintained 45,008 jobs. This amounted to record growth and historic results (+32% in the number of projects and +30% in the number of jobs) that surpassed those of 2019.
While some sixty countries invested in France last year, 2021 was also marked by a significant strengthening of France’s attractiveness in the eyes of European entrepreneurs, who were responsible for two-thirds of projects.
France’s increased attractiveness was seen particularly in industry. Manufacturing projects were, in fact, up sharply in 2021 (+49%), accounting for 29% of investments and 36% of jobs generated. These 460 projects reflected the accelerated reindustrialization of France in 2021.
Another strong sign of France’s attractiveness was the number of foreign investment projects benefiting the whole country.
France’s attractiveness spanned a large number of areas, reflecting the wealth of French expertise. Manufacturing investments supported the (re)location of manufacturing activities in strategic sectors (healthcare, electronics, agri-food, industrial inputs and 5G industrial applications) and it even accelerated the digital and ecological transitions.
Discover The Annual Report 2021 Foreign investment in France by Business France
To find out more, please download the documents below:
– Summary of the Annual Report 2021: Foreign investment in France
– Key figures for the Annual Report 2021: Foreign investment in France
– 14 thumbnails for social networks
– 28 country fact sheets
Discover France Attractiveness Scoreboard 2021
To assess a country’s attractiveness, you need to be able to compare it to that of its main competitors. The Attractiveness Scoreboard 2021 is an annual reference publication that showcases the strengths of the French economy, and aims to illustrate this by bringing together more than 140 economic indicators, allowing an objective diagnosis of the attractiveness of France.
For the second consecutive year, France is the leading destination for international investment in Europe, ahead of the United Kingdom and Germany. Its location, at the heart of Europe, is one of its major assets. It has quality infrastructure: Paris Charles de Gaulle airport is the leading European airport for cargo.
Undoubtedly forward-looking, France’s rate of public support for R&D is the highest among OECD countries. It was also the most attractive country in Europe in 2020 for R&D investments. Its competitiveness has improved significantly over the past decade.
France boasts a unique quality of life. It offers a set of quality services, particularly in education and healthcare, while maintaining a high standard of living for households.
The France Attractiveness Scoreboard also highlights indicators for which progress is still necessary.
France Attractiveness Scoreboard – 2021 edition
France Attractiveness Scoreboard 2021: Key Figures
France Attractiveness Scoreboard 2021: Vignettes
France is an increasingly attractive destination and benefits from structural key strengths
Open economy
More than 50% of foreign investors consider France to be one of the most attractive countries in Europe. France is an open country that appeals to tourists, talent and foreign capital.
Human capital
France is the fourth most dynamic economy among OECD countries for the increase in its production system efficiency.
World-class infrastructure
Paris Charles de Gaulle airport is ranked as the largest airport for cargo in Europe and the second largest for passengers, while Paris Le Bourget is Europe’s leading business airport.
Research & Innovation, a haven for talent
In France, 52.1% of the active 25- to 64-year-old population are employed in science and technology and/or are tertiary education graduates, which is higher than the EU average (47.5%) (Eurostat, 2019).
Dynamic economy and market
In 2020, France was the world’s 7th largest economy (US$2,620 billion). In addition, France occupies a central position within Europe, which is the second largest market in the world.
Job creation was up by 1.1% in France in 2019. The private sector created 210,000 new roles.
A mobile-tastic country
French telecommunications networks are among the best in the world, with €20 billion being invested to ensure 100% nationwide coverage of very high-speed internet by 2022.
More reasons to choose France
Country of talent and enterprise
Key player in innovation and tech
Great place to live
Key strengths of France’s regions
High technology Industry
Aerospace, automotive, agri-food, energy transition, nuclear, medical devices… France is fully committed to reinventing and shaping tomorrow’s high-technology industries. Its key objective is to keep and strengthen its place among the major industrial powers by setting and improving a comprehensive, favorable ecosystem through strong governmental support, efficient human capital, competitive infrastructures, and an innovative environment.
Developing the Industry of the Future
#2 in the world
for aerospace exports
(GTA, 2022)
€23.1 billion of R&D expenditure
in the manufacturing industry
(MESRI-SIES, 2019)
Leader
in nuclear expertise
(SFEN, 2019)
Fostering a comprehensive ecosystem conducive to investment in high-technology industries
Industrial excellence
France has been the leading host country for industrial investment in Europe for the last 15 years, with 1/4 of foreign investments in industry.
Strong government support for innovation
Innovation is an integral part of the 2025 Productivity Pact. France is aiming to have a breakthrough, technology-based economy by 2025.
“Discover la French Fab, the Fabulous French Industry !”
La French Fab is the new face of France’s industry. Launched in 2017, La French Fab is supported collectively by the Alliance Industrie du Futur, Bpifrance, Business France, France Industrie, the Direction Générale des Entreprises and France’s regions. These key players are committed to an eco-friendly approach and concerned about the common good. In France an around the world, they’re working to renew the industrial sector, reinvigorate France’s regions, make industrial jobs more attractive, and draw attention to French industrial excellence.
More reasons to choose France
Green Transition
Digital Economy
Healthcare Industries
Agri-food Industries
