France benefited, in 2023, from 1,815 international investment projects, which should enable “within three years” to maintain 1,391 jobs or create 57,863, according to figures communicated on Thursday February 29 by the Elysée.
Better figures than in 2022, despite a slight change in the calculation scope: two years ago, France benefited from 1,725 investment decisions, representing 58,810 jobs. The change in scope concerns “sustainability” projects or technological partnerships, and concerns 112 additional projects in 2023.
“Thanks to reforms and our attractiveness strategy, France is attracting ever more international investment, welcomed Emmanuel Macron on the social network X. This is good for employment and the life of the regions. »
Investors would particularly appreciate the reforms aimed at reducing labor costs, the reduction in corporate tax from 33% to 25%, the reduction of 10 billion euros in production taxes, the “green industry tax credit” implemented as part of the green industry law passed in 2023.
More flexibility
Finally, the 2017 labor orders, which provide more flexibility to employers, respond “one of the constant requests from companies, particularly foreign ones, when they wish to invest in France”, underlines the executive.
The France 2030 plan has also attracted investors, since 559 projects are concerned, with four sectors well represented: automobiles and equipment manufacturers; health ; mechanical equipment; the agri-food industry.
The Americans remain at the top of the investor podium, with 305 projects, or 17% of the total, but are almost twice as heavy in terms of the proportion of jobs created (28.7%, or 17,000 jobs). Four European countries represent 60% of projects, led by Germany, then the United Kingdom, Belgium and Italy.
“The shock of simplification takes hold”
The American Chamber of Commerce in France, AmCham, published a more mixed assessment on Wednesday February 28, indicating that French attractiveness is deteriorating in the eyes of American investors. “for the second year in a row”, although it remains considered the most attractive country in Europe.
From “red flags” cited by AmCham are the cost of labor, the social climate, taxation and administrative and regulatory complexity. “The shock of simplification announced by President Macron in 2021 is essential today more than ever”underlined the president of AmCham, Natacha Rafalski.
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