“Choose France” summit

One hundred and forty of the world’s most influential business executives were the distinguished guests of the French President, Prime Minister, and members of the government at the “Choose France” summit held at the Palace of Versailles on Monday January 22, co-organized by the French Treasury Directorate, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Business France.

Chief executives representing some of the world’s biggest multinationals confirmed their interest in France during the summit, with a number of companies announcing investments worth €3.5 billion and promising 2,200 new jobs.

Japanese corporation Toyota announced a €300 million investment at its French site in Valenciennes (northern France), while SAP confirmed its commitment to innovation in France, investing an estimated €2 billion or more over the next five years. Google also announced a major investment plan, including a component focusing on artificial intelligence research and another involving a 50% increase in personnel at its Paris headquarters.

The event was an opportunity for France to reaffirm its commitment to welcome foreign talent and their family members by expanding international educational provision in the Paris region, with an aim of ensuring 1,000 additional places by September 2018.