Welcome - Already a member? Sign in

 Site Map My Trips My Profile Customer Support Feedback
TRAVELLER TOOLS
Airport Guides
Arrivals/Departures
Flight Timetables
Currency Converter
Destinations
Weather
Get deals via email
Health & Safety
Passport/ Visa

The World  
Europe  
Paris  
Business

  Paris, Business

Business Profile: France is the fourth largest economic power in the world in terms of GDP and the second largest exporter of services and agricultural products. Paris and the Ile‐de‐France region are responsible for 28% of the country’s total GDP. The Paris region is predominantly a service economy, followed in importance by commerce, industry, construction and agriculture. Particular strengths are in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, publishing and research, with Paris ranking first in Europe in terms of research development. Five of the French banks (including Crédit Agricole, BNP and the Caisse d’Epargne) are among the main commercial banks in Europe.

The excellent transport and telecommunications network, highly skilled workforce, quality of life and prestige of Paris have encouraged companies to locate in the city. Many top international companies, including Sony, IBM, Hewlett Packard France, Siemens and Motorola have a presence in Paris and around 40 companies base their international headquarters here. In total, the French capital has attracted about 2400 foreign companies and numerous foreign banks.

Paris attracts more than 20 million visitors annually and rates among the world’s most popular international conference venues. Its thousand‐plus annual conventions include over 300 international conferences and 300 trade shows.

That said, the economy is not in a buoyant state at the moment. Unemployment remains a steady 9.8% (7.7% in the Ile de France) and there are said to be nearly 50,000 homeless people on the streets and in the métro stations.

The main business districts are located in the 8th around avenue des Champs‐Elysées, 2nd, where the Bourse (Stock Exchange) is located near to rue de la Banque in a grand First Empire building and the smart 16th arrondissement. The futuristic business district La Défense is home to the huge CNIT exhibition hall and Elf, Gan and Fiat.

Business Etiquette: A degree of Parisian aggression and plenty of persistence is necessary when attempting business in the capital. However, firmness, not rudeness, is in order. At the first meeting, non‐French speakers should apologise for their lack of linguistic aptitude and respect the local formality, addressing colleagues with the appropriate Madame, Monsieur, Professeur or Docteur followed by the surname and a handshake. Business cards (preferably in French and English) should be presented. Small talk is an essential part of doing business, so it is wise to do a quick refresher on French politics and culture prior to the meeting and not to rush straight to talk of business. Smart, conservative, dress is recommended.

Standard business hours are 0830/0900‐1800/1900. Lunches may last for two hours or more (so it is best to schedule meetings at 1100 or 1500, unless for lunch itself). Business lunches are popular, working dinners common and breakfast meetings an increasing trend. Whoever fixes the meeting is expected to settle the bill. Conducting business in August – during the Parisian exodus to the south – is to be avoided at all costs.