Buendia, Casey Marie Lucia de la Cruz 21, 2011 INTECOM

Novembre

FRANCE: Living breathing art.

To see the world, live with the world, love the world and be seen with the world. This I felt when I was in France. What is just because of the warm greetings of Bonjours and Bon Soirs or the breathtaking landmarks and historical significance? It is very hard to figure out. France, being the worlds fifth-largest economy has substantial agricultural resources, a large industrial base, and a highly skilled work force thus producing a country ready to face thousands and thousands of tourist, immigrants and traders yearly. What do I mean by this? France, being a part of the European Union is supported and developed by the organization which is funded by the taxes they collect from the European body. This magnificent country, being part of the first world or the fully developed economically stable nations focused more on capitalization. France receives a big chunk of their GDP from external trade this paved way for many powerful companies that internationally known and plays a significantly role in their chosen sectors such as: Bouygues, Carrefour, LOreal, Lagardre, LVMH, Pernod Ricard, Peugeot, and PPR etc. They also engage/trade with different countries (majorly in the United Stated and Japan) that further strengthen their relation and increase their annual GDP. One thing I have also noticed is the fact that unlike other European countries, France allows different kinds of business from different nationalities therefore reaching out to the international market and broadening out their resources - smart move. France received more international investments because of the fact that it is a place for multinational companies. According to the article, The Economic Role of France and Europe" (a speech given by Consul general of France in Chicago, Jean-Baptiste Main de Boissire, at the 2007 Gala evening of the French-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cincinnati. ) : Paris ranks 2nd in the world for hosting the headquarters of these companies, after Tokyo and before London and New York. Therefore, Paris solidifies the presence of Europe in the world. * Excerpt from the speech

As a stable, well managed economy, France (AAA rating) is contributing to the stability of the European economy and the success of the Euro zone. Frances openness to the global economy, as measured by the ratio between international trade and GDP, rose from 11% in 1960 to 22% in 2005. France also contributes to the emergence of a post-industrial society - a knowledge based economy - in Europe (R&D, sciences, healthcare, culture and tourism)