Since 2013, the CCE, in collaboration with Eurogroup Consulting, have been measuring the attractivenesś of the French territory from abroad. 2000 business leaders in 152 countries have given their opinion on what they think of Hexagone as an investor. Over 1,500 CCEs responded to this March 2021 edition, representing a response rate of over 40%.
ONE YEAR AFTER THE START OF THE HEALTH CRISIS, FRANCE REMAINS ATTRACTIVE TO FOREIGN INVESTORS
Conducted against the exceptional backdrop of a global health crisis, this 8th edition of our Country Attractiveness Index underscores the remarkable stability of France's attractiveness. France has lost none of the historical advantages that have attracted foreign investors for several years. Foreign investors now have high expectations of our country's ability to implement stimulus measures while continuing to modernize our economy.
FRANCE'S ATTRACTIVENESS INDEX REACHES ONE OF ITS HIGHEST LEVELS SINCE 2015, DESPITE CONCERNS THAT REMAIN HIGH
At nearly 63.3 points, France's attractiveness suffers little from the health crisis: in fact, the Index is 1.7 points off its 2020 record. For 67% of those surveyed, France's attractiveness is considered «rather good».
These results are part of an overall trend observed since 2017 in particular. They reflect the excellent reception given to the government's measures to continue lowering taxes, but also to support innovation and digitization, contained in the stimulus plan.
In an economic climate that will remain difficult over the coming months and probably years, France must stay the course in its policy of modernization and simplification, to ensure that French, European and foreign investment in our country continues to grow and strengthen.
Gilles Bonnenfant,
Chairman of the French Attractiveness Commission of the CCE and Chairman of Eurogroup Consulting
The territorial dimension, a significant asset
- Lyon retains top position thanks to the quality of its innovation ecosystem
- Bordeaux takes advantage of the renowned quality of life in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region
- Greater Paris exceeds the Nice metropolis this year: accessibility from abroad is in high demand
- The Nice metropolis in fourth place, despite the impact of the Covid crisis on the tourism business
Foreign investors' expectations of the executive are higher than ever
The many support and aid measures put in place to sustain economic activity during the crisis seem to be reassuring investors. However, caution is palpable among investors, who doubt the government's ability to implement the measures announced in certain areas: financing innovation (according to 82% of respondents), digitization (76%) and energy transition (62%).
Foreign investors have different expectations of the national and local levels:
- At national level: they want to make sure that government announcements are followed by concrete action, and that they are communicated regularly.
- On the local level, investors expect each region (metropolises, regions) to promote its assets to them through targeted economic marketing.
Survey methodology
The Indice d'Attractivité du Territoire (IAT) is based on a voluntary online survey accessible to the entire network of Foreign Trade Advisors (3969 CCEs), nearly two-thirds of whom are based abroad in 152 countries.
The Indice d'Attractivité du Territoire (IAT) is based on a voluntary online survey accessible to the entire network of Foreign Trade Advisors (3969 CCEs), nearly two-thirds of whom are based abroad in 152 countries.
They are asked to assess potential investors' perception of France's attractiveness according to twelve criteria:
- administrative and regulatory burden
- taxation
- quality of workmanship
- labor costs
- flexible working and social climate
- legal certainty
- energy supply and cost
- infrastructure quality
- innovation and research capabilities
- quality of life and environment
- personal safety
- cultural environment
