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In France, several reforms have been initialised or completed in 2005 and 2006 to introduce more flexibility in the French labour law.

New labour contracts to recruit more easily while keeping all guarantees for employees
The provisions put in place lean on the search of a new equilibrium in the relationship between employer and employee, by combining a simplification of the procedure of breaking of a work contract with special guarantees for the employee.

The “First Employment Contract” (CPE) is valid for young persons under the age of 26 and comprises a two year period of trial. This new contract was adopted on 9th February 2006 and is intended for companies with more than 20 employees.

The “New Employment Contract” (CNE) is a labour contract reserved for companies with less than 20 employees. Signed for an indefinite period of time, the New Employment Contract nevertheless has flexible rupture clauses during the first two years.

Proposal for 2006
- A provision to encourage the employment of the elderly (older than 57) is proposed for 2006 and includes looser contracts or the possibility to accumulate retirement and
employment.

To view the full text about the reforms and reorganisation of the 35-hour-week-system, click here

Source: IFA (2006)

France passed its 2006 Budget on 30 December 2005. Flagship measures include sweeping tax reforms to enhance the country’s attractiveness. By easing the tax burden on companies and high-level executives, France is working to create an even more business-friendly environment.

The Budget included three especially investment-friendly measures:
        1. Far-reaching reforms to the business licence tax (taxe professionnelle):
        2. Significant tax breaks for high earners
        3. Measures in favour of impatriates

To read about the tax reform, click here

Source: IFA (2006)

The Swedish leader within advanced air nozzle technology has created a French entity in Nice.

Silvent's air nozzles have become an established concept throughout the world. By installing the air nozzles, noise levels can normally be reduced to half and considerable amounts of energy are saved. The company is continuously developing new products and can today offer the world's largest and widest range of air nozzles.

With headquarters in Sweden (Borås), Silvent currently employs 30 people and has got subsidiaries in the USA and the UK.

Until the end of 2005, Silvent was represented in France by a French distributor. The strategy of the new subsidiary is to boost the turnover in France, having experienced stagnation over the past 10 years despite being the market leader.

The choice of location for Silvent in France stood between Lyon and Nice. IFAs partners, the corresponding regional development agencies ADERLY in Lyon and CAD in Nice, were pleased to present their regions and business opportunities for Silvent. Initiated by IFA, a trip was arranged and visits set up in order for Silvent to get as much information as possible about the two locations. Finally Nice was chosen as most strategic, covering both France, as well as reducing the distance to the Italian market. Silvent in Nice today employs three members of staff and more staff will be hired during the second part of 2006. The new subsidiary has improved Silvent’s position on a strategic market and an important improvement in turnover for the French business is to be expected.

Source: IFA Nordic Countries and Silvent AB (2006)

IFA Nordic Countries

The Invest in France Agency is the official body for international investments France. Our presence is both regional and worldwide:

17 offices around the world, North America, Asia and Europe.
40 regional agencies in France, including regional development agencies, chambers of commerce and professional networks.

Our Services:

The Invest in France Agency provides free & confidential advice and practical assistance for companies setting up or expanding operations in France.

1. Information on investment issues

The Agency provides complete information for companies setting up or expanding operations in France. This covers:

Prevailing economic climate
Legal framework and tax laws
Access to markets
Labour productivity
Technological and scientific resources
Labour and social security regulations
Financial aid available at the national and/or regional levels
Introduction to additional sources of financing and more.

2. Customised, confidential and practical assistance

The Agency identifies the most suitable sites to meet the investing company's strategy, industry and human resources requirements. The Agency's team of professionals organises visits to short listed sites, and arranges contacts with local authorities and service providers. These specialists also provide analysis on:

The local environment in the investor's industry
Data on research and technology centres
Production costs, site advantages
Construction and installation costs
The choice between purchase and rental of business premises and other relevant considerations

3. Securing public support

In co¬operation with the concerned parties, the Invest in France Agency researches and maximises the financial incentives available for each investment project. We also advise investing firms on tax matters, organises meetings with local officials and assists in administrative procedures.

4. Ongoing assistance

Once the new business is operational, the Agency continues to provide support to ensure that the unit is profitable by:
Acting as liaison between the company and local authorities.
Assisting expatriates and their families with housing, education, healthcare and training.