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With a GDP of approximately $2.7 trillion in 2019 (+1.5% growth in 2019, down from 1.7% in 2018), France is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Europe’s third largest economy after Germany and the UK. It has substantial agricultural resources and maintains a strong manufacturing sector, despite a recent decline. A dynamic service sector now accounts for an increasingly large share of economic activity and is responsible for most job creation in recent years. France initiated the G-20, is host to the OECD, and is a member of the G-7, the European Union, and the World Trade Organization, confirming its status as a leading economic player in the world.
France has an educated population, first-rate universities, and a talented workforce. It has a modern business culture, sophisticated financial markets, strong intellectual property protections, and innovative business leaders. The country is known for its world-class infrastructure, including high-speed passenger rail, maritime ports, extensive roadway networks and public transportation, and efficient intermodal connections. In 2018, France was the ninth largest global market for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows with a year-on-year increase of 2%. In total, there are more than 28,000 foreign-owned companies doing business in France. It is the home to 29 of the world’s 500 largest companies. In 2018, the World Economic Forum ranked France 17th in terms of global competitiveness.
Trade and investment ties between the United States and France are strong. On average, over $1 billion in commercial transactions, including sales of U.S. and French foreign affiliates, takes place every day. U.S. exports to France include industrial chemicals, aircraft and engines, electronic components, telecommunications, computer software, computers and peripherals, analytical and scientific instrumentation, medical instruments and supplies, and broadcasting equipment. The United States is the top foreign destination for French investment, France being the sixth largest FDI inflows source in 2019, and the United States is the largest foreign investor in France in terms of job creation. The United States and France have a bilateral convention on investment and a bilateral tax treaty addressing, among other things, double taxation and tax evasion.
In 2019, the United States was the leading foreign investor in France with a stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) totaling over $87 billion. More than 4,500 U.S. firms operate in France, supporting nearly 500,000 jobs. The United States exported $59.6 billion of goods and services to France in 2019.
Getting Started: Working In France
Find information for working in France, including information on obtaining a French visa.
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security. In addition to its Washington, D.C. staff, FAS has a global network of 98 offices covering 177 countries. These offices are staffed by agricultural attachés and locally hired agricultural experts who are the eyes, ears, and voice for U.S. agriculture around the world. FAS staff identify problems, provide practical solutions, and work to advance opportunities for U.S. agriculture and support U.S. foreign policy around the globe.
Foreign Commercial Service (FCS)
The Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) is the trade promotion branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Our global network of trade and investment professionals, located in more than 80 countries, including France, and in over 100 cities across the U.S., connects U.S. exporters with international opportunities and foreign investors with resources and information. Our professionals are focused on supporting and creating American jobs by helping U.S. firms expand business abroad, secure foreign government contracts, reduce or remove trade barrier, and facilitate foreign direct investment.
These reports on market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business customs prepared at U.S. Embassies worldwide by the Department of Commerce Department, Department of State, and other U.S. agencies’ professionals.
The U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements provide country-specific information on the business climates of more than 170 countries and economies. They are prepared by economic officers stationed in embassies and posts around the world and analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses of all sizes.
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
In 1985, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), a joint venture between the Department of State and the U.S. private sector, created by then Secretary of State George P. Shultz under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to interact on overseas security problems of mutual concern. Objectives of this joint venture are: to establish a continuing liaison between security officials in both the private and public sector; to provide for regular exchanges of information concerning developments in the overseas security environment; recommend methods for planning and implementation of security programs abroad; and recommend methods to mitigate risks to American private sector interests worldwide. These objectives remain in the current OSAC Charter.
Since its inception, SelectUSA has facilitated more than $78 billion in investment, creating and/or retaining over 95,000 U.S. jobs. In fiscal year 2019 alone, SelectUSA facilitated more than $18.5 billion in investment. We work with the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and entities across government to facilitate job-creating business investment into the United States and raise awareness of the critical role that economic development plays in the U.S. economy.
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Outside of Office Hours, contact: 01.43.12.22.22
Outside of France: 011.33.1.43.12.22.22
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Outside of Office Hours, contact: 01.43.12.22.22
En dehors de la France, veuillez appeler: 011.33.1.43.12.22.22
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