Francophone economy
[citation needed] This French-speaking world represents a significant economic and scientific potential due to the size of its market and the diversity of its member economies.
[4] The historical contours and beginnings of economic relations between French-speaking countries can be traced back to the first official use of French as a language of state and trade (Val d'Aoste, France, Savoie) in the 16th century.
An area such as this can be seen as an economic zone in the making and in its own right; in other words, it is a significant part of the "world economy", linked by multiple relationships (cultural, political, historical, geographical, sociological, etc.).
AFPI helps companies find partners, obtain financing and navigate local regulations.The Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Francophonie (CCIF) are another example of organisations that have been promoting economic cooperation between French-speaking countries since the second half of the 20th century.
[7] Despite certain challenges (poverty rates in "developing" countries, education systems, customs constraints and freedom of movement) the French-speaking world offers many opportunities.
Finally, economic Francophonie can help strengthen the position of more junior French-speaking countries on the international stage by enabling them to speak with a common voice.
Secondly, the language can also be an advantage for companies wishing to work with French-speaking national and international organisations active in the region, such as the South Pacific Commission or the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT).
Finally, knowledge of the French language on all continents can help companies navigate local regulations and administrative procedures, which can sometimes seem complex to foreigners.
The France-Quebec economic relationship is an illustration: Quebec is by far the leading Canadian province in terms of established French companies, which see it as a gateway to the North American market; conversely, the French partners of Quebec companies make it easier to operate in the European Union markets, providing a unique and privileged economic link between the two continents.
In 2023, Quebec City hosted the Rencontre des entrepreneurs francophones,[9] an international meeting bringing together business leaders and economic organisations from over 30 countries.
A series of ground-breaking studies on the subject, carried out in Armenia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Kenya, Lebanon, Madagascar, Nigeria, Romania and Vietnam, show the unique place of French in the international job market,[5] particularly in the key sectors of NICT, finance (banking and insurance), education, scientific research, production, trade (import-export), hotels and tourism, as well as careers in the social and political sector (NGOs, international organisations, embassies, etc.
