Ensuring that our country is economically attractive is “a major challenge in today’s global economy”.

France enjoys position of leadership

The economic attractiveness of a country has an impact on a number of areas, and especially on job creation and growth. France thus wishes to develop its business relationships by enhancing foreign investment and attracting foreign businesses to the country.

According to Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, France is “a leading European destination”. The year 2005 was marked by the creation of more than 33,000 jobs in France. In addition, France attracted €40 billion in foreign investment.

For the past several months, the government has adopted a policy designed to stimulate research and innovation, to improve tax competitiveness and to promote public investment in infrastructures and energy.

With regard to tourism, on 17 May 2006 the government signed a growth contract with industry professionals with a view to modernising the country’s hotels, cafés and restaurants.

Boosting attractiveness: 40 measures targeting three major areas

First of all, the Prime Minister stated that the goal was to attract foreign “white-collar professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and students” to France. For students, measures will be taken to facilitate access to the job market. Another priority is to encourage researchers to come to France by setting up orientation programmes in educational and research institutions to provide assistance with funding for projects as well as personalised support. For white-collar professionals, the Government plans to simplify the existing red tape relative to entering and residing in France by providing a single contact agency for these issues.

Furthermore, the Government would like to promote the return of French nationals abroad by creating a government portal with all of the necessary information, including potential eligibility for retirement savings for years worked outside of France.

The third area targeted will be to promote France’s image by fostering a better understanding of French commercial law abroad. A continental law foundation will thus be set up.

Source : the government portal