Analysis of Key Investment Sectors in France for Chinese Investors in 2023
June 11, 2025
Written by : Marc Huynh
France continues to be an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, and data from the Country Fact Sheets published by Business France in its annual report of Foreign Investment in France of 2023 indicates continued interest from Chinese investors across various sectors. This article aims to provide an overview of the key areas attracting Chinese investment in France, as highlighted in the Business France report.
Key Investment Sectors
According to the Business France report, in 2023, Chinese investment projects in France were primarily concentrated in decision-making centers and manufacturing activities. Manufacturing alone accounted for 60% of the jobs created by these investments. The report further highlights that the automotive industry and IT services were the main sectors benefiting from Chinese investment, each representing 11% of the total projects. These two sectors collectively amounted to nearly half of all jobs created, with 37% in the automotive industry and 9% in IT services. Other business activities that saw Chinese investment include R&D and engineering.
Prospective Investment Opportunities
Beyond the currently leading sectors, France presents significant prospective opportunities for Chinese investors in technology, renewable energy, luxury goods, and agriculture.
France's robust technology ecosystem, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, software development, and digital transformation, offers fertile ground for collaboration and investment.
The French government's strong commitment to renewable energy development, including solar, wind, and hydrogen, aligns with global sustainability trends and provides opportunities for Chinese companies with expertise in these areas.
The globally recognized French luxury goods sector, encompassing fashion, cosmetics, and high-end products, offers a gateway for Chinese companies seeking to tap into international consumer markets and leverage French brand prestige.
Furthermore, France's strong agricultural sector, known for its high-quality produce and sustainable farming practices, presents investment opportunities in areas such as food processing, agricultural technology, and distribution.
Regional Investment Trends
The Country Fact Sheets from Business France indicate that the Île-de-France region (Paris region) was the leading recipient of Chinese investment in 2023, with 22 projects. The Hauts-de-France and Occitanie regions also attracted notable Chinese investment, with four projects each.
Conclusion
The analysis presented in Business France's 2023 annual report confirms that France offers diverse investment opportunities for Chinese businesses, with a particular focus in 2023 on manufacturing, the automotive industry, and the broader technology sector, particularly IT services.
Looking ahead, sectors like renewable energy, luxury goods, and agriculture also hold substantial promise for Chinese investors seeking strategic international partnerships and market diversification within a stable and innovation-driven European economy.
The concentration of investment in the Île-de-France region underscores its significance as a key business location. These trends, as detailed in the Business France Country Fact Sheets and prospective opportunities, demonstrate France's continued appeal as a dynamic and strategic market for Chinese investors seeking international expansion.