The Ile-de-France region

General presentation on Ile-de-France

A high concentration of economic activity, a great source of wealth-creation

Home to almost 617,000 companies, among which are many multi-nationals, the Ile-de-France represents an exceptionally dynamic centre of economic activity.

The region produces 28.4% of national GDP (Insee-2001) and ranks among the most economically-productive regions of Europe (5% of European GDP). Nearly 5.4 million jobs are spread evenly over 12,000 km².

In addition, the region attracts many types of economic activity, especially in the tertiary sector, as is shown by the distribution of Added-Value per economic sector (Insee-2000): Agriculture 0.2%, Construction 3.1%, Manufacturing Industry/Energy 14.3%, Government Services 15.5% and Market Services 66.8%. Many areas of excellence are woven into the economic fabric: motors, electronics, aviation/space/defence, information technology, financial services, consultancies, pharmaceuticals/biotechnology/healthcare, audio-visual, etc.

The Ile-de-France is also a star exporter in many of these sectors of excellence. It thus takes its place at the head of French regions in exports of particular products, such as motors (a quarter of national exports), aircraft and space construction (18.2%) and pharmaceuticals (22.3%). These products are also the three biggest exports from Ile-de-France.

An attractive platform for locating a new development in the French and European market

The Ile-de-France region represents a favoured site for locating a start-up as part of a development strategy in the French domestic market, as also in the European market. Its GDP per capita came to almost €37,500 (in 2001), ranking among the highest in Europe. Big, innovative and dynamic, the Ile-de-France market also enables companies to test innovative products and services, and bring them to market.

An outstanding and competitive region (IMD study 2003), France's no. 1 region for imports and exports (27% of imports and 18.4% of exports), Ile-de-France also facilitates easy access to the European market, which represents the prime outlet for the region, taking nearly half its exports. 380 million consumers are accessible within three hours by air or TGV from Ile-de-France. As part of the euro zone, companies that set up there also dodge currency-conversion charges when serving the European market.

Graph: "Ile-de-France, the most competitive region of continental Europe"

Human potential to encourage regional development

Ile-de-France contributes the most to national demographic growth. With its population of 11 million, i.e. 18.7% of the total population of France (Insee -1999), the capital region is distinguished by its multi-ethnic population and especially its youth, since young adults (age 20-39) in fact represent almost a third of the region's population, a proportion higher than the national average.

Ile-de-France has a concentration of highly-qualified people. Managers and the higher intellectual professions represent 25.4% of the economically-active population in Ile-de-France, as against 14.3% in mainland France as a whole (Insee - 2001).

At the core of a dense transport network

With 71 million passengers and 1,700,000 tonnes of mail and freight at its two international airports (Roissy - Charles de Gaulle and Orly) and 12 business air- fields, in terms of passenger numbers Ile-de-France is placed second in Europe and 6th worldwide (ADP-2001). Moreover, we note that FedEx has set up its main European base close to Roissy - Charles de Gaulle airport.

Ile-de-France also has one of the best-developed ground transport networks in the world, thanks in particular to the TGV network, which puts Ile-de-France just a few hours' travelling time from 145 French destinations and the main European capitals (Paris - London: 2h35, Paris - Brussels: 1h20). Finally, with its 70 ports, Ile-de-France represents the no. 1 river port in France and no. 2 in Europe.

According to the last Cushman & Wakefield - Healey and Baker Survey "European Cities Monitor 2003", Paris Region is the best region in terms of internal public transport infrastructure.

A telecommunications network among the most dense in Europe

Almost 650,000 km of optic fibre has been laid in the region by telecoms operator France Telecom. And, according to them, the density of high-load networks represents a competitive advantage, Ile-de-France being the best-equipped in Europe.

Other operators (Ld Com, Colt, Cegetel,…) are present in the region and offer a high-quality alternative. Since the market has become highly competitive, rates offered to companies are also very competitive, especially at the 11 major business parks in the region. The services offered are also of high quality and highly diversified.

Quality of life: Paris Ile-de-France - an outstanding environment

France in general, and Ile-de-France in particular, enjoys an excellent reputation for its quality of life. Apart from the attractions of a region famed across the world for its heritage, this reputation is also based on solid data such as its high-quality and freely-available infrastructure (transport, schools, healthcare services).

76% of international decision-makers consider the French living environment as "very satisfactory" for managers. 46% of them consider the quality of life for salaried staff as being the Region's great strength. Over 90% judge the area's amenities very favourably.