New investment champion in Europe
France’s attractiveness stimulates foreign investment
In 2021, France welcomed 1,607 foreign investment projects, which created or maintained 45,008 jobs. This amounted to record growth and historic results (+32% in the number of projects and +30% in the number of jobs) that surpassed those of 2019. These results hereby prove that the Covid-19 health crisis has in no way damaged foreign investors’ confidence in France.
France is an open economy
Europe’s most attractive country
for foreign investment in 2021
(EY, 2022)
#1 OECD country
in terms of public funding and tax incentives for business R&D
(OECD, 2021)
67.8 million consumers
(Insee, 2022)
Discover The Annual Report 2021 Foreign investment in France
In 2021, France welcomed 1,607 foreign investment projects, which created or maintained 45,008 jobs. This amounted to record growth and historic results (+32% in the number of projects and +30% in the number of jobs) that surpassed those of 2019.
While some sixty countries invested in France last year, 2021 was also marked by a significant strengthening of France’s attractiveness in the eyes of European entrepreneurs, who were responsible for two-thirds of projects.
France’s increased attractiveness was seen particularly in industry. Manufacturing projects were, in fact, up sharply in 2021 (+49%), accounting for 29% of investments and 36% of jobs generated. These 460 projects reflected the accelerated reindustrialization of France in 2021.
Another strong sign of France’s attractiveness was the number of foreign investment projects benefiting the whole country.
France’s attractiveness spanned a large number of areas, reflecting the wealth of French expertise. Manufacturing investments supported the (re)location of manufacturing activities in strategic sectors (healthcare, electronics, agri-food, industrial inputs and 5G industrial applications) and it even accelerated the digital and ecological transitions.
Discover The Annual Report 2021 Foreign investment in France by Business France
To find out more, please download the documents below:
– Summary of the Annual Report 2021: Foreign investment in France
– Key figures for the Annual Report 2021: Foreign investment in France
– 14 thumbnails for social networks
– 28 country fact sheets
France is an increasingly attractive destination and benefits from structural key strengths
Open economy
More than 50% of foreign investors consider France to be one of the most attractive countries in Europe. France is an open country that appeals to tourists, talent and foreign capital.
Human capital
France is the fourth most dynamic economy among OECD countries for the increase in its production system efficiency.
World-class infrastructure
Paris Charles de Gaulle airport is ranked as the largest airport for cargo in Europe and the second largest for passengers, while Paris Le Bourget is Europe’s leading business airport.
Research & Innovation, a haven for talent
In France, 52.1% of the active 25- to 64-year-old population are employed in science and technology and/or are tertiary education graduates, which is higher than the EU average (47.5%) (Eurostat, 2019).
Dynamic economy and market
In 2020, France was the world’s 7th largest economy (US$2,620 billion). In addition, France occupies a central position within Europe, which is the second largest market in the world.
Job creation was up by 1.1% in France in 2019. The private sector created 210,000 new roles.
A mobile-tastic country
French telecommunications networks are among the best in the world, with €20 billion being invested to ensure 100% nationwide coverage of very high-speed internet by 2022.
