ConGen Strasbourg
Commercial Services
The Commercial Service Strasbourg ranks third to Paris' CS District in the industrial base covered. Each of the three regions (Alsace, Lorraine and Franche-Comté) in the CS area contains major industrial centers. Its unemployment rate remains one of the lowest in France, due in part to the steady local employment capacity, but especially to the cross-border employment. The Eastern part of France has a diversified export oriented economy. The three regions are major exporters. The district's economic base is made up of small and medium sized companies. Lorraine and Alsace are the leading French regions for foreign investment. Over 120 U.S. controlled facilities operate in the CS district.
Alsace
Though one of the smallest regions in France, Alsace is among the most dynamic and wealthiest. Its key position near the geographical center of the European Union enhances Strasbourg's role as a major commercial and manufacturing center. Hub of an international rail and international rail and transportation network, the city has the largest coal port in France, an important petroleum-refining center and large metalworking industry. Alsace also boasts a diversified, export-oriented economy. Major sectors include mechanical engineering, automobiles and transport, electronics, chemicals, agri-industry and textiles. Alsace's central location in a unique European biovalley and extensive research and development network, quality of life, multi-linguism, disciplined workforce, and proven track record enhance the region's attraction to foreign firms, primarily German and American. Best investment prospects for U.S. companies remain software, advanced electronics (for medical and industrial use), and chemicals.
Lorraine
Lorraine is primarily an industrial region. It is the French center of heavy industry with its traditional coal mining and steel industry. Lorraine's steel and iron production, which has dramatically decreased over the last ten years, has become the most competitive in Europe due to considerable rationalization and modernization. The remaining coal mines, which represented 72 percent of the total French output in 1999 are expected to close by the year 2005. The arrival of numerous high technology industries including electronics, telecommunications, lasers, and biotechnology has compensated partly for the decline of these heavy industries. Other key industries include timber-paper, food processing, glass and foodstuffs. Lorraine is well known for its prestigious manufacture of stringed instruments, lead-crystal and glass (i.e., Daum, Baccarat, cristalleries de Saint Louis). Best prospects for American companies include chemicals, automotive equipment, and telecommunications systems and equipment.
Franche-Comté
Franche-Comté leads France's leader in micro-techniques, given its traditional know-how in watch-making and eyeglasses. Major industries are concentrated in manufacturing, engineering and subcontracting. Key sectors include heavy machinery, automotive products, clocks and watches, optical equipment, pipes and micro-dental surgery equipment. Largest employers are Peugeot and Jec Alsthom (world leader in the manufacture of gas turbine and of high-speed trains). Agriculture, (especially dairy products) and woodworking remain an important component of the regional economy. Franche-Comté is a major exporting region. Imports from the U.S. include mechanics equipment, electric appliances, chemicals, and medical equipment.
Major Services provided:
Counsel and provide assistance to US companies seeking to export products or services to the French market by:
- locating appropriate French distributors, agents or partners (ADS/GK services
- completing market survey to evaluate the potential of a US product on the French market (ISA service)
- investigating on domestic restrictions, regulations, custom duties, standards, quotas, taxation
- promoting new U.S. products
- processing trade complaints
Identify local import leads and locate US suppliers.
Report on major project or technology, investment of interest to US companies.
Maintain expertise in assigned industry sectors.
See the Commercial Service website for more information.