Business in Paris

Paris is a great base for strategic functions in Europe: 75 % of multinational companies with over 500 employees have chosen Paris  to locate their European head office (many in La Defense, right and below).

The Paris region has the highest concentration of headquarters of the 500 biggest international companies in Europe. It is number two in the world behind Tokyo, ahead of London and New York.

Paris is a major decision making centre for Europe and the world. It hosts the French Government, 150 embassies and the headquarters of international organisations such as EUTELSAT, the European Space Agency, the OECD, UNESCO and UNICEF.

Paris is world's number two city for headquarters of international organisations behind Brussels, ahead of London and New York.

Grande arche in La Défense business district

Paris is the economic heart of France and one of Europe major economic players with

=> a population of 11 million inhabitants,

=> a GDP of 457 billions euros in 2004,

=> the highest GDP per capita in Europe at 38,000 euros,

=> one of Europe's highest concentrations of higher education centres of excellence.

=> 617,000 companies, with sectors of excellence such as electronics, food processing, the aerospace industry, chemicals and pharmaceuticals

=> a dominant services sector (particularly to businesses) with 81 % of the workforce in the tertiary sector.

Paris expo convention and exhibition center

Paris Expo  is the largest convention and exhibition center in Paris with top trade fairs such as Paris Agricultural show,  Mondial de l'automobile and Batimat.