Paris: The eighth edition of the "Choose France" investment summit kicked off on Monday at the historic Palace of Versailles in Paris, drawing a large number of global business leaders and investors. Held under the patronage of President Emmanuel Macron, the summit aims to reinforce France's position as the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe, highlighting the country's economic opportunities across innovation, industry, and green transformation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, French Minister of Economics and Finance, Eric Lombard announced that foreign investors have pledged EUR 37 billion (around USD 41.6 billion) during the summit. The French presidency further revealed that EUR 20 billion will be invested in new projects, with a focus on artificial intelligence and environmentally sustainable sectors like rare minerals, transportation, digital services, and tourism.
President Macron also shared news on X (formerly Twitter) of a EUR 92 million investment by German firm Daimler Buses in northeastern France, which is expected to create 600 new jobs. Launched in 2018, the annual summit has become a key economic event ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
A recent EY report confirmed France's leading position in Europe for foreign direct investment for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting the success of Macron's pro-business policies since 2017. This year's summit theme celebrates France's growing international visibility, boosted by high-profile events such as the upcoming Olympic Games and the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.