Chambers’ Support Services for Internationalization of SMEs in France Stéphanie TISON Deputy Director – International Relations Department Assembly of the French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Milano October 7th, 2010
French Chambers of Commerce and Industry : a public network lead by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs A network of local, regional and national public organizations 148 local Chambers: CCI 21 regional Chambers : CRCI 1 national body : ACFCI - Assembly of the French Chambers of Commerce and Industry =>and a partnership with 114 French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Overseas (CCIFE) located in 78 countries 1.8 million companies affiliated 5 150 representatives elected by universal corporate suffrage for a 5-year mandate 30 000 professionals servicing French companies A global budget of 4.5 billion € in 2008
A network at the heart of the French economy 1/2 The 2 nd largest education provider in France 500 schools and professional training centers 600 000 young learners and adults benefiting from courses every year (including 100 000 students in 120 higher education schools, and 100 000 in 150 professional training centers) A major player in local planning, management and development An efficient manager of 103 airports (direct management or in partnership), 60 seaports (commercial, fishing, leisure), 33 inland ports, 2 bridges, as well as business parks and business real estate An active involvement in competitive clusters The gateway to companies’ set up and development 400 000 new entrepreneurs assisted every year in 234 dedicated « start up departments » 800 000 formalities processed every year (start ups, amendments, or dissolutions)
A network at the heart of the French economy 2/2 A network ready to face new economic challenges An active partner in innovation and research (European Enterprise Network) 40 years of expertise in environment and sustainable development The founding partner of the French Export Team 8000 companies supported every year in their international actions (about 3000 of them for first time action) A wide range of services provided by 600 specialists in international development in partnership with the main public and private French players. The voice of SMEs Representation and defense of SMEs’ interests to local, national and international organizations Member of Eurochambres
A network going through a reform April 14, 2009 Adoption by ACFCI of a draft framework law July 29, 2009 Submission of the draft law to the French ministerial council May 4, 2010 Adoption of the draft law by the National Assembly at first reading June 10, 2010 Adoption of the draft law by the Senate at first reading Adoption of the draft law at 2 nd reading by the National June 22, 2010 Assembly Adoption of the draft law at 2 nd reading by the Senate July 12, 2010 July 24, 2010 Publication of the law August 6, 2010 Publication of the decree relating to the constitution and electoral system applicable to the CCI Sept- Dec. 8, 2010 Election process
Why this reform? Three main objectives Reduce tax pressure on companies Provide a new organization of the Chambers’ network o Reinforcement of the national and regional levels o Pooling of structures and resources, clarification of chambers’ missions, implementation of a unique regional tax system Improve the quality and homogeneity in the services provided by CCI to SMEs
New financing of CCI Until 2009, budget based on Tax revenue voted and collected by CCI under the government’s control (Additional tax to the business tax « TATP ») – 1.2 billion euros Public contributions Loans Resources from products and services Reduction of CCI budget – 2010 Finance Act Reduction of tax pressure on SMEs of at least 10% within 5 years A reform of the business tax compatible with the CCI’s reform (regionalization, pooling of resources) Substitution of the business tax by local cotisations Starting 2011 Tax based on two additional taxes voted and collected by Regional Chambers of Commerce (CCIR) TACFE TACVA
New organization – Reinforcement of the regional level One regional CCI (CCIR) per region The local or territorial CCI (CCIT) become public entities « linked » to the CCIR The CCIT remains a legally independent entity Creation of a regional « hierarchy » with a pooling of human and financial ressources Main missions Supervise and support the CCITs’ activities Define the strategy of the regional network of CCI Adopt the budget Distribute the tax ressource CCIR become the legal employer of employees of CCIR and CCIT
Reinforcement of the role of ACFCI Lead the Chambers’ network Define a national strategy Manage national projects Provide a legal, financial support, as well as institutional communication services Define a national human ressources policy Audit the network Coordinate the international activity In order to fulfill missions binding the French Chambers’ network, ACFCI shall function with a representativity of members combining equality between chambers and regions’ economic weight.
French Chambers’ support to internationalization of SMEs
CCI INTERNATIONAL Trade experts servicing French companies Experts in international development 600 international development professionals , including 300 international Trade Advisors (Conseillers en Développement à l’International - CDI) 21 regional consular « networks » Working closely with regional councils (conseils régionaux) UBIFRANCE, UCCIFE and the French Chambers of Commerce abroad (CCIFE), Sopexa, Adepta, European and International Chambers of Commerce, professional federations (ANIA…), the CCEF network ( French Foreign Trade Advisors : French corporate executives, involved in international business ), MEDEF, COFACE, OSEO, international consultants…
A large portfolio of services : An efficient « tool box » Training and development support Export diagnosis – business coaching Assistance to obtain subsidies and finances Training and international trade formalities Information and advice Information on business opportunities (activity sectors and geographical) International trade rules and regulations Access to business contacts and international networks Organization of international trade forums, country days (« journées-pays »), business meetings, conferences and seminars Export clubs … Individual and collective support – Trade missions overseas Organization of trade missions … Participation to international trade shows, French pavilions, BtoB meetings … Customized services Access to local business communities
A new visual identity for the French CCI network officially launched in January 2010
CCI International, a new label for a better lisibility To indicate the access to a « tool box » of services for international development To communicate about French CCI activities and services To reinforce all CCI networks Samples of « CCI International » being used in France
CCI International : A new label with 3 major objectives 1/3 1st objective : To contribute to the ongoing professionalization and reform of the French CCI network Regional coordination of all international development services and ressources Coordination on both national and regional levels Implementation of common services and activities (Guide de bonnes pratiques) in all chambers Development throughout France under the same name « CCI International » while respecting the local networks National coordination through the 18 Country Support Clubs (Club d’Appui Pays -CAP) - Groups of international trade advisors specialized on the targeted market
CCI International : A new label with 3 major objectives 2/3 2 nd objective : Improvement of all services for more growth (increase of foreign trade figures) and employment in France Partnership agreement DGTPE-UBIFRANCE-CCI-CCIFE-CCEF : Detect and support the internationalization of 10 000 new exporters by the end of 2011 Development and implementation of a « detection-coaching » program (French companies with an export potential) Creation of 5 new working groups « CAP » (Africa, Brasil, India, Middle East and Russia) Increase of the country information days ( « journées- pays » - 700 in 2009 ) and customized meetings with geographic and sector specialists 1,200 events organized by the CCI in 2009 http://www.cci.fr/agenda-international
CCI International : A new label with 3 major objectives 3/3 3rd objective : Collaboration strengthened with all partners of the « French Export Team » French export program - « Programme France » (www.programme-france.fr) – Contribution of CCI Use of CAP for a better planning of events and activities involving Ubifrance trade advisors, CCI and French Chambers of Commerce abroad Country days – Forums – International Weeks Opens de l’Equipe de France de l’Export Common pavilion in French major trade shows (ex. SIAL 2010)
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