According to a recent EY survey, the number of foreign investment projects in metropolitan France increased by 31% last year.
The findings of the survey add weight to President Marcon’s proud claim that “France is back” as an attractive location for foreign investors and the suggestion that Paris is set to overtake London in this regard for the first time in more than a decade, amid nervousness over the potential impact of Brexit.
Another factor in this upsurge in popularity is the bold programme of economic reforms pursued by Macron which foreign investors may perceive as a source of stability and progress. In particular, France appears to be stealing a march in securing industrial projects, notably benefiting its rural areas.
However, it seems that Brexit is the dominant force which is influencing the decisions of foreign investors who want to retain a foothold in the EU after 29 March 2019, the date on which the UK is due to leave.
London currently ranks as the first choice for investments in the fields of R&D and business start-ups, but France is catching up and may become a serious contender, especially in the wake of recent promises by major companies to bolster their investments in France.
Article published: 13th June 2018
