The new campaign for the attractiveness of France in the economic sectorseducation and tourism was presented today by the French ambassador to Greece, Laurence Auer, calling on Greek actors in these sectors to benefit from the package of initiatives and expenditures promoted by the French government.

In the context of these initiatives that aim to give new dynamism to the French economy, with a plan for “France 2030”, the Macron government will allocate 54 billion euros in the form of aid and subsidies. “Greek companies that want to invest in France will be able to benefit from these programs,” emphasized Laurence Auer.

“The first Greek “unicorns” have already found their way to France and will be supported by the Recovery Fund to expand their activity“, he added.

“With the initiative to re-industrialize France we will transform our economy and in this context it is an opportunity to increase Greek-French joint investments in many sectors, such as innovation and tourism”

The ambassador underlined the scope and quality of the relations between Greece and France in the economic, cultural, educational and tourism sectors, as well as the prospects for strengthening them.

In the field of economic cooperation, it is noted that 200 French companies are active in Greece, while bilateral trade increased in 2023 by 8%. Laurence Auer said in particular that numerous Greek and French companies have important relationships in diversified sectors such as industry, tourism, biotechnologies, energy, maritime trade, shipbuilding.

According to the data of the French embassy, ​​France is the first destination in Europe for international investors, thanks to the dynamic pro-business reforms under the “France 2030” plan, the dynamic and quality labor market and the facilitation services for foreign investors .

In the context of attracting foreign investors, Paris offers facilities for accommodation and tax breaks with an emphasis on the sectors of health, high technology, ecological transition and the food industry.

Initiatives such as “French Tech” are already strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of high technology and innovation, the ambassador emphasized.

The Business France service opened an office in Athens again in 2023 and will primarily be the interlocutor of Greek businesses with the aim of strengthening their investments in France.

In the field of education, the ambassador noted that 3,000 Greek students study in France every year, while the French language is taught extensively in Greece with 360,000 students.

Point of contact for those wishing to study in France is the French Institute.

France highlights the fact that the state finances its educational programs, that it is sixth in the world in spending on Research and Development (R&D), while it is the first in Europe in hosting the top 100 innovative companies.

In terms of tourism cooperation, 1.7 million French tourists visit Greece annually, while France is the seventh tourist destination for Greeks.

The organization Atout France, which shows a real interest in Greece, as mentioned, can contribute to the strengthening of Greek tourism in France, while businesses from all sides are active in both countries.

Finally, useful contact points for entrepreneurs, students and tourism actors in Greece are noted: at the embassy (financial service) at the Athens office of the Business France service (investments), at the Franco-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (investments), at the French Institute of Greece (university studies), the office of the Campus France service in Athens (university studies) and the regional office of the Atout France service (tourism).

The presentation is part of the initiative announced by the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron on October 30 with the title “Marque France”.

The “Marque France” campaign aims to capitalize on all of France’s assets in the above areas and attract every person who is going to implement a project because, as its initiators argue, it has all the advantages to activate spirit and talents.