FDI inflows to France (PDF) fell by nearly half, from $42 billion in 2003 to $24 billion in 2004, due primarily to divestment in equity capital linked to cross-border M&As and a sizeable reduction in intra-company loans. In 2004 inward equity investment flows fell by 67%, and intra-company loans (which are recorded in the category "other types of inward investment") were down 37%. The European Union (led by Belgium/Luxembourg, Germany, United Kingdom and the Netherlands) was the main source of FDI flows into France in 2003. In 2001, there were 8,409 affiliates of foreign TNCs in France, with sales worth €310.816 billion.
National investment profiles are being published online as they become available, based on each country´s reporting schedules. The profiles, which are part of UNCTAD´s World Investment Directory, provide quick electronic access to the latest statistics on foreign direct investment (FDI) and the operations of transnational corporations (TNCs). They also include statistical definitions and sources, a listing of relevant national laws and regulations, information on bilateral and multilateral agreements and a bibliography of the country concerned.
