Title Corporate

In France, as in other European countries, attracting foreign investment involves a wide range of partners: regional and local development and promotion agencies, business associations and chambers of commerce, organizations responsible for clusters and companies that are motivated by the prospect of new clients.

350 international trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences organized abroad

Several public administrations also form an integral part of this policy, including the Inter-ministerial delegation for regional development and competitiveness (DIACT), the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry (DGTPE), as well as the economic relations sections of French embassies.

Coordination between the different efforts made by these organizations is extremely important in order to ensure the most efficient use of resources. IFA works towards this goal by setting up networks to coordinate the various partners.

Economic Relations Sections

 With 72 staff members working in 21 offices overseas, IFA is present in most of the world’s major economic capitals. In many other cities or countries, French economic relations sections actively work towards prospecting companies that are likely to invest in France.

3,500 international volunteers (V.I.E) serving 1,000 businesses

IFA has signed a partnership agreement with the French Treasury and Economic Policy General Directorate (DGTPE). The economic relations sections, which make up the international network for the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry, support IFA in countries where IFA does not have a representative. This partnership consolidates IFA resources by seconding DGTPE personnel to IFA offices, combining some IFA offices with economic relations sections overseas, and delegating prospecting activities to various economic relations sections in countries where IFA is not represented. 

The heads of economic relations sections in New Delhi, Seoul, Taipei, Toronto and Hong-Kong, therefore are also directors of IFA offices in these cities.

Ubifrance

In order to combine efforts with Ubifrance – the French agency for the international business development –IFA has signed a “world partnership” agreement including, in particular for the international trade press, press releases, listings and the organization of trade press visits with two or three standard programs that can be applied to all sectors. The aim of these press visits is to obtain testimonials from the heads of international businesses already operating in France. Our regional partners will also be involved in this effort.
Ubifrance is also responsible for representing France among foreign investors at many international trade exhibitions.