Logistics

Globalization involves increasingly complex and extensive production and distribution networks being set up, which handle an ever-increasing volume of products. Being able to transport products in a reliable but cost-effective way has become the key to competitiveness for most businesses. Logistics activities are therefore becoming increasingly important to businesses, whether they are managed in-house by the company itself, or – as is increasingly the case – outsourced to specialized service providers.

Exceptional geographical location

France borders six European countries, and is situated at the crossroads of

Access to 600 million consumers in less than 48 hours

Europe’s north-south and east-west transport routes, and is located at the heart of the European economy. In a 2 000 km radius around Paris, approximately 600 million consumers – the largest market in the world – are accessible in less than 48 hours. France therefore provides a natural platform for international transport activities, and the country also offers a sound industrial foundation and access to a prime market (2nd biggest economy in Europe).

High quality local infrastructure and logistics facilities

France boasts an 11,000 km motorway network; the most extensive high speed rail network in Europe; 190 airports – 6 of which are international – and a worldwide air transport hub (Paris alone handles 20% of total European passenger transport); and

6 international airports, including a worldwid air transport hub

finally several major maritime ports (including Marseille, which is the leading port in the Mediterranean, and Le Havre which is Europe’s 5th biggest container port). Our country offers a supply of commercial and real estate properties which are extremely costeffective, located at its numerous multi-transport platforms. The Paris area alone for example, offers a total of 20 million square meters of existing warehouse facilities, with rental prices over three times less than in London.

A favorable regulatory and administrative environment:

free consulting services provided by the Customs and Excise service in 40 different information centers, computerized customs clearance procedures that are compatible with 22 other European countries, fast-track and personalized customs procedures.

A modern and efficient logistics services industry

This is based around specialized firms which are recognised around the world, such as Gefco, Norbert Dentressangle, FM logistics, CAT, and STEF-TFE. There are approximately 800 000 people currently working in logistics activities in France, including in-house logistics activities in industrial and distribution companies.

An ongoing drive for efficiency and innovation

This policy was, for example, the driving force behind the designation in 2005 of the “Logistique Seine-Normandie” logistics cluster, which aims to make the Rouen-Le Havre transport axis the most efficient multi-transport platform in Europe; also the I-trans cluster, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, which aims to develop efficient transport systems by integrating the concept of multi-transport, particularly within the railway network. These are the reasons why international logistics firms make France one of their top investment destinations in , creating an average of 2,500 jobs each year, for the past 10 years. For example, at its distribution hub located at Roissy (77 000 m2), Fedex handles 750 tons of deliveries to 215 different countries. The group has just announced a new extension program for 2007, which will eventually create another 300 jobs. Daimler Chrysler has located its European parts distribution center at Valenciennes. Many other companies announced investment projects in 2006, such as Riechhart at Maubeuge or Lee Cooper at Amiens.