In a significant boost to its economy, the French presidency has announced a new round of foreign investment deals worth a record $16 billion. Major global companies, including tech giant Amazon and pharmaceutical firm GSK, have pledged to create thousands of jobs in France.
The announcements were made during the annual ‘Choose France’ business summit, held at the historic Chateau of Versailles near Paris. This event brings together international business leaders and policymakers to discuss investment opportunities in France. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire emphasized the country’s shift towards production, stating, “For many years, France has been a nation of consumers—we want to become again a nation of producers.”
The summit featured roundtable discussions on pivotal topics such as green industry, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing. With plans to host a summit on AI later this year, France is positioning itself as a European hub for the burgeoning AI sector. This move aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s vision for Europe to become a world leader in technology, as he detailed in a major speech on Europe last month.
The French presidency highlighted that the investments announced encompass 56 different business projects and could lead to the creation of 10,000 jobs. This influx of foreign capital and expertise is expected to enhance France’s competitiveness in key industries and drive economic growth.
The record-breaking investment comes at a time when global economic dynamics are shifting, and countries are vying to attract international businesses. France’s strategic focus on innovation and sustainable industries may present new opportunities for investors and professionals worldwide, including those from Asia who are exploring partnerships and expansion in European markets.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
