France's Key Sectors
Aerospace, agribusiness, automotive, logistics, health and biotechnologies, chemicals, energy, environment, information and communications technologies, shared services centre, personal services sector... Find France's key sectors in the following pages.
Aerospace
France, a welcoming country.There are many foreign companies operating in France, including both European consortiums with French participation (EADS, ATR, etc.), and independent subcontractors and suppliers. They account for 47% of total turnover in this sector today. Around 50 different suppliers from all over the world are involved for example in the design of the A380 aircraft. Many foreign companies, particularly US companies, were involved in the design of the Falcon aircraft.
Agribusiness
In France, innovation in the agro-food industry is… traditional! World leaders in the sector know this, and are increasingly setting up their R&D centers close to where the products of the future are being created now.
Automotive
The French automotive sector offers foreign industrials excellent development prospects for their innovative projects.
Health, biotechnologies
In 2005, there were 400 companies in this sector, employing around 20,000 people (3rd in Europe after the United Kingdom and Germany). Europe is the second biggest pharmaceutical drugs market on the planet, representing 30% of global demand. The French pharmaceutical market is the second largest in Europe, just behind Germany.
Chemicals, materials, energy and the environment
Chemical composites, fine chemicals, polymer technology, and nuclear technology: within the immense field of materials and energy, France has many advantages that have not gone unnoticed by international investors. They account for more than 16% of all projects identified in Europe (not including acquisitions) by the IFA monitors since 2002.
Information and communications technologies
With its international clusters specialized in microelectronics, software and telecommunications technology, France offers excellent business opportunities for international companies.
Administrative and commercial services
To attract call centers, shared services centers, and company headquarters, France has some major advantages to offer: qualified manpower, modern office buildings, and high quality infrastructure.
Logistics
Logistics represents 5 million jobs in Europe; but it also represents nearly 200 internationally mobile investment projects each year, searching for the right location on the continent. France offers many advantages to attract these investment projects.