(Last updated: 18 Jul 2011)

Trends and opportunities

ICT business opportunities

• Telecommunications: Development of 4G infrastructure for mobile networks. The French Government has indicated a goal to give 99 per cent of the population coverage under a 4G network by 2015.
• E-learning: Development of e-learning software, capabilities and support services. The French Government has set various goals such as providing 1 in 3 pupils with a computer at schools and 1 in 2 for university students. They also aim to create a certificate of computer skills.
• Research and development: Development of innovative research projects with ICT focus. The French Government has acknowledged its tendency to lag in this field and is enthused about investment opportunities in R&D projects.

Why is this market attractive for Australian companies?

France is keen to make significant investment into various sectors in the ICT industry and Australia could potentially capitalise on this enthusiasm.

Australian companies tend to more adept at creating innovative solutions, and providing great service. Simplifying processes or lead-time required is a competitive advantage over French companies.

Ideally, Australia will be able to provide identical or even better services at a reduced price.

Marketing your products and services

Market entry

Top tips to be successful in France

• Build relationships: significant progress can only be made in the French market by establishing positive, mutually beneficial relationships with industry personnel and local business owners. Creating relationships of this nature will ensure you are always abreast of developments in the market, and you will have a support network for events and new projects. 
• Understand the competition: the French ICT market is quite highly developed, and while brand loyalty is not high (especially for telecommunications and internet subscription), the competing players in the market are sophisticated and well known. The most successful businesses will offer innovative solutions to existing problems and provide better after sales service.
• Appreciate the barriers: while France is a sophisticated, western economy, there are distinct differences between the culture in France and in Australia. Significant efforts should be made to ensure you have some conversational French, or you have a suitable interpreter, though many business people will speak English. Try not to get frustrated by the differences in culture; French people may be late, but you should always be on time and be courteous and professional with anyone you deal with.

How does doing business in France differ from Australia and what do Australian companies need to do in approaching this market?

• Business is generally more formal in France which means certain social rules which may be less important in Australia should always be observed
• France people respect businesses which are well prepared for the market they seek to enter. Make sure to do extensive research on the history and potential of any market opportunities you are exploring.
• Understand that there are some official processes in France which take a lot of time. The process can be frustration but follow up helps.

Key ICT events in France

• Salon Beouk  MC & IT – 8 & 9 February 2012 – Paris
• Cairo ICT – May 25-28 – Cairo (France is the country of honour)

Links and industry contacts

ICT–related resources

ANFR – www.anfr.fr
ARCEP – www.arcep.fr
Federation of French Electrical, Electronic and Communication Industries – www.fieec.fr
French Electrical Equipment and Industrial Electronics Industries – www.gimelec.fr
Syntec Informatique – www.syntec-informatique.fr
Informatique de France – www.informatiquedefrance.com/
Télécommunication en Gouvernement – www.telecom.gouv.fr/index.php

Contact details

The Australian Trade Commission – Austrade – is the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency.

Through Austrade’s network of offices in over 50 countries, we assist Australian companies to succeed in international business, attract productive foreign direct investment into Australia and promote Australia's education sector internationally.

For more information on how Austrade can assist you, contact us on:

Australia ph: 13 28 78 | Email: info@austrade.gov.au

A list of Austrade offices (in alphabetical order of country) is also available.