France  is  the largest country in  Western  Europe.  Similar  in  terms  of  population  to  the  UK  (around  63.6  million  people  live  in  France), it has a land mass twice the size and is situated at the crossroads  of  major  road  and  rail  transport  systems  throughout  Europe.

France and the UK are major economic and trade partners. France is the UK’s third largest export market (the second in Europe) and the UK's third largest supplier. Exports to France amount to some £20 billion per year and account for nearly 10% of UK visible exports worldwide. Manufactured goods represent 80% of exports, energy 12% and agri-food products 7%. The trade balance is in France's favour but the UK has substantial surpluses in the machinery, pharmaceutical and energy sectors.

The UK and France are also major investors in each other's countries. France is the UK's second largest European direct investor in terms of stocks and the UK is the largest investor in France. Mergers and acquisitions have considerably increased, leading to a growing interpenetration of both economies.

Over 1700 French firms, subsidiaries and branches are established in the UK employing approximately 330,000 people. France has predominantly invested in services such as water distribution, electricity, transport, banking, telecommunications, hotels, restaurants, and in the electronic and chemical industries. Nearly 2000 UK firms are present in France. They are particularly active in financial and insurance services, retail distribution, biotechnology, healthcare, chemicals, transport and agri-food industries. The number of British residents and property-owners is rising rapidly, making Britons the first European community living and working in France.

What are the opportunities?
France's strategic location at the heart of Western Europe is served by a highly developed transport and communication network. The Eurostar high-speed train has reinforced the already strong air and sea connections between the two countries. The centres of London and Paris are only two hours fifteen minutes apart! This means businessmen and women can easily visit their customers or organise B2B meetings on a one-day trip.

France is home to world's leading companies in many innovative industries and is the third largest recipient of foreign direct investment. The French economy benefits from a highly productive labour force. Structural reforms are being undertaken to help secure investment. This should offer new opportunities for UK companies in procurement and sub-supply. Numerous "pôles d'excellence" (industrial clusters) testify to the attractiveness of France as a business location. The UKTI team in France has identified key sectors where there are opportunities for both UK exports and investments:

•Biotechnology
•Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
•Software and ICT
•Creative/Media/Design
•Environment
•Aerospace
•Automotive industry
•Railways
•Chemicals
•Food and drink
•Distance selling
There are also niche markets in all other sectors, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Almost anything that sells well in the UK can be sold in France, provided that the quality and price are right.