Secondary economic activity

Region definition

The Paris Basin - core economic region in France consisting of the city of Paris and its surrounding hinterland.

provides a massive geographic area for industrial expansion and urban development.

Historical Manufacturing Tradition

long-standing tradition of manufacturing in the region that extends back to the seventeenth century.

has allowed for the long-term development of industrial expertise and infrastructure over several centuries.

Secondary Sector employment

powerhouse for manufacturing, with 27.5% of the population in the Paris Basin employed in the secondary economic sector.

This high employment rate highlights the region's continued reliance on and success in industrial production.

Dominance of MNC’s

Most major industries located within the Paris Basin are multinational companies (MNCs).

These global firms are attracted to the region by its well-developed infrastructure and access to affluent European markets.

River Seine’s influence

fundamental factor in the initial development of industry because it is a navigable waterway.

It provided the necessary transport route for raw materials and finished goods before road and rail networks

Access to Global Trade

The Seine features deep water ports with modern docking facilities that provide direct access to the sea port of Le Havre.

allows industries in the Paris Basin to participate easily in international trade and maritime shipping.

Heavy Industry Development

Heavy industries like steel and oil refining grew along the Seine because boats could bring in big raw materials and ship out heavy products cheaply

Topographical advantages

The low-lying nature of the Paris Basin landscape was a physical factor that allowed for the construction of the transport infrastructure.

The flat terrain made the engineering of vast road and rail networks significantly easier and more cost-effective

Rail connectivity

Paris serves as a major nodal point for the national train service, including high-speed TGV (Train Grand Vitesse) lines and the Channel Tunnel Railway.

These rail links connect the region’s industries to the rest of France and neighboring European markets like the UK

Road and Air infrastructure

The region is a central hub for the French road network and is served by two international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly.

These excellent transport links are attractive to industries because they minimize transport costs and ensure the efficient flow of goods

Scale of the labour force

The region offers a massive labor pool, with 12.2 million people in Greater Paris and 21 million people living in the wider Paris Basin.

This large population provides a consistent and diverse supply of workers for various industrial sectors

Automotive Industry Presence

The large, well-educated workforce has attracted major car manufacturing assembly plants, specifically those belonging to Citroen and Renault. T

hese companies take advantage of the regional labor supply and the proximity to a large consumer market

Education and Research

The presence of 17 universities and numerous high-quality research colleges provides a steady supply of highly skilled graduates.

These institutions are particularly attractive to high-tech industries that require specialized knowledge and innovation

High Teach “Unicorn Companies”

Paris is a leading center for technology, hosting 20 of France's 26 "tech unicorn" startups.

These private companies, valued at over $1 billion, demonstrate the region's transition toward high-value, technology-driven manufacturing.

Corporate centralization

The region acts as the administrative heart of French industry, with 38% of all industries and 96% of all banks headquartered in Paris.

This concentration of financial and corporate power provides local industries with immediate access to capital and decision-making centers