Germany is a major economic partner of France and is the second largest investor in France with more than 4,500 established companies and 312,000 jobs created. According to the study German companies in France: economic situation, perceptions and perspectives 2018-2022 conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with EY*, France is becoming more and more attractive for german investors.
The figures in this study have the same conclusion concerning the willingness of German entrepreneurs to set up a business in France. Indeed, 90% of them perceive the economic situation of France as satisfactory. In addition, 78% of German companies say they are satisfied with the results of their activity in France against 55% in 2016.
If French and Germans are working proudly hand in hand today, it’s mostly because they feel European and are proud of their evolution.
As Serge Guérémy, partner EY, points out : "The new image conveyed by France is a real chance for a renewal of Europe. In opposition to uncertainties arising from an unstable international context, success will only be achieved with the help of Europe and more particularly the enrichment of the Franco-German partnership "
Even if German investors are optimistic, France still has some efforts to make to seduce them completely. They note for example a lack of technicians and adaptations need to be done in terms of training. The government will also have to improve the flexibility of the labor market and the simplification of labor law, which is still considered too restrictive for German entrepreneurs. Future prospects remain favorable as these recommendations are heard by Emmanuel Macron who has already registered the reform of the Labor Code in the Official Journal on 22 September.
