France FDI remain healthy despite its average positioning in international rankings

France's does not seem to have a very good standing in terms of international rankings. Yet France's rather average rankings do not prevent a healthy inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI), despite a slowdown in 2013 and 2014.

With the exception of the years 2010, 2011 and 2013, France has received more FDI than Germany each year since 2003. France's stock of FDI inflows amounted to USD 1,081 billion in 2013, surpassing the USD 851 billion reported by Germany, even though it ranks 5th in the WEF Global Competitiveness Index. 

Another indication of the size of FDI in France: it accounts for nearly 2% of GDP over the past ten years, which is higher than the proportion observed in the United States and Germany. 

"A certain number of handicaps in France, notably high labour costs and taxation, are counterbalanced by numerous strengths that work in France's favour: quality of life, market size, infrastructure, creativity and productivity." notes BNP Paribas