Country Profile

France, is a leader amidst of the european nations. Metropolitan territory of france is located in the western europe. France has shared its borders with belgium, luxembourg, germany, switzerland, italy, monaco and spain. Channel tunnel passes underneath the english channel joined the france with united kingdom. One of the largest west european nation, france explored the total irrigation land of 26,190 sq km and 189 cu km water resources. France has witnessed a complete transition to a world market economy with a GDP of $2.515 trillion. The country's industrial sector constitutes a major share from chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, textiles and food processing sector. France has shown a tremendous rise in their export with total $558.9 billion. Germany is one of the major export partner followed by spain, italy and uk.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• Fifth largest economy in the world in USD exchange-rate terms.
• Seventh largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity.
• Lowest poverty rate amongst the large economies.
• According to World Bank and IMF, thrid largest in Europe.
• The economy is open to foreign trade of goods.
• Substantial agricultural resources, large industrial base and a highly skilled workforce.
• Agriculture and agro-food industries account for a larger share of economic activity.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Machinery and Transportation Equipment, Aircraft, Plastics, Chemicals, Pharmaceutical Products, Iron and Steel, Beverages.

Main Destinations of Exports
Germany, Spain, UK, Italy, Belgium, US

Major Import Items
Machinery and Equipment, Vehicles, Consumer Goods, Crude Oil, Aircraft, Plastics, Chemicals.

Main Origins of Imports
Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, UK, Netherlands, US

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules
Business Visitor Visas are called "Visiteur" in France. Visiteur are valid for 90 days within a given 180-days period and is issued to the following categories:

• Attend business meetings, discussions and negotiations;
• Attend sales calls to potential European client provided that the employee represents a commercial entity outside of France;
• Attend seminars or "fact-finding" meetings.

The basic requirements for business visa are as follows:

• The applicant must have a residence and an employer outside of France and must be traveling to France for a time period of less than 90 days.
• The applicant may not receive compensation from sources within France (unless for "per-diem" expenses, such as meals or car fare);
• The applicant must evidence proof of sufficient funds (such as cash or credit cards) along with a confirmed, round-trip airline ticket;
• The applicant must evidence that health/medical insurance will be provided by the employee's home company.

Business Hours
9.00 am to 6.00 pm - General (Monday to Friday)
9.00 am to 4.30 pm - Banks (Monday to Friday)
10.00 am to 7.00 pm - Stores (Monday to Saturday)

Public Holidays