FDI 2024: Grand Est Region in the Top 3 Most Attractive Regions in France

In a complex economic and political context, the Grand Est Region has maintained its ability to attract foreign investors, retaining its third place among the most attractive regions in France (excluding Île-de-France).

This performance is far from trivial. While a slowdown has been observed in Germany and the Benelux, the Grand Est Region has managed to stay on course and continued to attract foreign investors in 2024, reaffirming its key role in the French and European economy. The region recorded 139 investment projects, maintaining or creating approximately 3,000 jobs. These figures keep it as the third most attractive region in France. Among the top three countries generating the most projects, Germany leads (24% or 33 projects), followed by the United States (12% or 17 projects) and the United Kingdom (8% or 11 projects).

Ambition and Support for Energy and Digital Transitions

This robust performance is especially driven by the industrial sector, with a significant portion of projects concentrated in production (48%), accounting for nearly half of the jobs created (47%). Energy, recycling, and the automotive industry complement this dynamic, highlighting the Grand Est Region’s commitment to supporting ecological and digital transitions while being ambitious about the attractiveness of its territory.

Tailored Support to Navigate the Complexity of Establishment Projects

The region’s success in attracting foreign investors is largely due to the tailored support provided by Grand Est Développement International, as well as the regional network of local economic development agencies (ADIRA, Ardennes Développement, Business Sud Champagne, Inspire Metz, Lorr’up, Marne Développement, Meuse Attractivité, Moselle Attractivité, and Vosges&Co). This collective, with its ability to mobilize all necessary services and administrations, facilitates and accelerates the entire process for project leaders, often proving to be a decisive advantage.

Diverse Projects, Foundations for Future Sectors

A New Production Line at Dow

Among the notable projects representing this success, Dow, a global leader in material science, has invested in a new production line in Lauterbourg (67). Over €35 million has been invested to facilitate the recycling of food packaging and reduce the use of chemicals, echoing the region’s ambition in environmental transition.

The Wollette Startup

Wollette, a British startup specializing in the digitalization of receipts, has established its headquarters in Strasbourg to deploy its European operations, significantly reducing the use of thermal paper.
More info about this topic HERE

Microsoft Data Center

And of course, Microsoft has chosen the Grand Est to invest over €2 billion in a data center dedicated to AI, marking the first realization of the emerging Digital Valley in the Grand Est Region.