French companies' establishments abroad generated turnover in excess of € 520 billion in 2004, thus exceeding French exports, which totalled 340 billion. A census of these establishments conducted by the French Treasury (DGTPE) reveals a number of pathbreaking observations:As far as the geographic structure is concerned, thecharacteristics are similar to those of French exports. French companies a... Lire la suite
Relationships between retailers and suppliers are generally non-integrated and vertical, involving a complex blend of cooperation and competition. In the large retail sector, the balance of power has been tilted in the large retailers’ favour over the last few years. This asymmetry is liable to breed market inefficiencies and anti-competitive effects. What is more, it is sometimes suspected by sup... Lire la suite
INSEE recently published new projections of the French working population to 2050. According to these estimates, the number of people in the labour force would continue to rise till 2015 then stabilise at between 28.2 and 28.5 million, whereas in earlier calculations, the labour force was projected to decline as from 2007. This dynamism stems from increased fertility, more abundant immigration, an... Lire la suite
Growth in the global economy in the first half of 2006 was geographically better balanced than previously: it remained very robust in the emerging countries of Asia, while the euro zone enjoyed a strong domestic demand-led rebound. Growth slackened in both the United States and Japan in the second quarter.Looking ahead, global growth is expected to slow in 2007. Less accommodating monetary polici... Lire la suite