How would you assess the reform of Ubifrance?
Since 1 January 2009, Ubifrance has had its own economic missions to help businesses expand internationally. The results have exceeded our expectations: in 18 months, we have gone from 9,000 to 20,000 SMEs supported in foreign markets, with the help of our 64 offices in 44 countries. We canvass for new business in five major sectors.
Between now and the end of the year, what are the key events to develop exports?
As we exploit major events, we are taking advantage of the Shanghai World Expo to programme around fifty actions to promote the excellence of French know-how. In the autumn, as part of the France-Russia Year, we will be organising exhibitions, including one dedicated to the French art of living, in Moscow in October. These initiatives are bearing fruit: in 2009, the Year of France in Brazil had a real knock-on effect in terms of supporting companies in this South American country.
In 2011, which countries will be priorities for your action?
For SMEs looking to expand abroad, we will be developing group and/or individual missions to India, Indonesia and Mexico. There as elsewhere, out of our 500 operations carried out each year around the world, SMEs - whether first-time exporters or not - benefit from preferential conditions on Air France's business offer.
