The Grand Est region aims to attract more German companies to invest in eastern France. To this end, it is opening the Eastern France Expansion Desk in Munich. This initiative was announced by Grand Est Développement International – a partner of the Franco-German Cluster – at the ‘Choose France’ event in Berlin in September. From the Bavarian capital, the region hopes to engage directly with companies and business networks. Further offices in German cities may be established in the future.
This initiative is aimed at companies wishing to establish a presence in the Grand Est region or expand their existing operations. The German-speaking helpdesk supports investment projects from the initial planning stage right through to implementation. Administrative support is provided to simplify and speed up the process of setting up operations. The focus is on cleantech, life sciences, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, cyber security and deep tech.
The region comprises Alsace, Lorraine and Champagne-Ardenne. Germany is already its most important international economic partner: around 30 per cent of foreign investment projects in the Grand Est come from Germany. More than 820 German companies are based there. The Franco-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce cites a skilled workforce, infrastructure and geographical location as the region’s key advantages.
Regional President Franck Leroy wishes to translate this geographical, industrial, economic and cultural proximity into new projects and partnerships. In his view, German investment should also support a more competitive, lower-carbon and more sovereign European industry.
Author: Haus & Gross
Source: Aerial view of the green and brown basketball court during the day – Free photo on Unsplash
