Europe’s heartland
Northern France and regional capital Lille are at the center of a consumer market with a population of 100 million. Within easy reach of decision-making centers including Paris, Brussels, London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt, the region combines a strategic geographical location with outstanding transport infrastructure-the densest network of multi-lane highways in Europe, high-speed rail services and proximity to Antwerp and Rotterdam, the world’s largest port-to offer quick, flexible access to the richest markets in Northwestern Europe.

France’s youngest region
150,000 students out of a population of 4 million.
Outstanding education and training resources-France’s no. 2 center for higher education and no. 2 education district, training 12% of all French engineers.

Open to the world
A traditional focus of trade and international exchange, Northern France is open to different cultures and has a proven capacity to make visitors feel welcome-also illustrated by its place as France’s no. 2 host region for total foreign direct investment since 1993.
France’s no. 3 region for exports after Greater Paris and Rhône Alpes (Lyon).
Lille, France’s no. 3 financial center, is home to institutions offering a full range of financial services, including online brokerage, credit and insurance.

Outstanding research resources
The best of public research with universities, engineering schools and other institutions-6,500 researchers and teacher/researchers, 300 public and parapublic laboratories, plus private industrial-research centers.

Unique quality of life
Northern France is above all a wonderful place to live, with its varied landscapes, towns and cities combining a rich cultural heritage and a passion for celebration with openness to the world. Different cultures easily find their place, as is illustrated by the number of foreign businesses that have set up permanent bases in our region. Regional heritage was highlighted in 2004 when Lille was European Cultural Capital, and will benefit from the Louvre’s presence in Lens, where it will be opening a museum in 2008.

Investment policies with business in mind
Investors in Northern France and the Lille Region benefit from a broad range of financial support and tax advantages as well as tax and legal structures matching their needs.
Labor law is attuned to business realties and employee rights.

Northern France is committed to holding its own among the world’s most advanced regions.
A natural center for European and international exchange, Northern France shows its entrepreneurial spirit in welcoming new projects-one of many strengths that have won the recognition of investors.