South America
Argentina
The Republic of Argentina is a South American country with an area of 2,780,400 sq.kms and nearly 44,5 million people, a GDP of US$545,9 billion and sharing its borders with Chile to the west, Bolivia to the northwest, Paraguay to the north, Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the far south (source : France Diplomatie, 2016).
Argentina has the second largest economy in South America behind Brazil. The country boasts considerable agricultural resources (soy and derivatives) which occupy a prominent place in its trade. Argentina has a strong regional base, with its main trading partners being the other Mercosur countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay).
The United States also remains a major trading partner, while the European Union ranks third among the country’s suppliers behind China and Brazil – with two member states, Germany and France, among the top ten Argentinian suppliers.
France is part of the Argentinian economic landscape and has close to 250 companies operating in the country. These companies have a strong presence in agri-food, automotive production, hydrocarbons, retail, health and cosmetics.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Argentinian market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Bahamas
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an English-speaking British-dependency located in the north of the Caribbean Sea. The Bahamas is grouped made up of more than 700 islands and islets scattered over about 260,000 sq.kms and with 392,873 inhabitants, for a GDP of US$9,05 billion (source : World Bank, 2016).
Despite little in the way of natural resources and a limited industrial sector, the Bahamas is one of the richest countries in the Caribbean. The Bahamian economy relies heavily on tourism and financial services. The Bahamas maintains close economic and political links with the United States, from which it welcomes many visitors each year. The United States is by far its biggest trade and investment partner, ahead of China and other countries like the Dominican Republic, India and Japan.
France is also part of the Bahamian landscape with some major companies present, primarily in the infrastructure and tourism sector (source : France diplomatie, January 2018).
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Bahamian market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Bolivia
The Plurinational State of Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America surrounded by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. Bolivia has a surface area of 1,098,581 sq.kms and just over 11.3 million inhabitants, and a GDP of US$37,6 billion (source: World Bank, 2017).
Bolivia boasts significant mineral resources of iron, copper, and especially tin, of which it is the world’s leading producer. Bolivians also have large reserves of natural gas, oil, lead, antimony, tungsten, gold and silver (2nd largest gas reserves in South America). Bolivia’s main trading partners are its neighbours, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, along with the United States followed by Japan and EU countries. The European Union (mainly Spain, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) is Bolivia’s fifth largest trading partner with investments in mining and hydrocarbons.
France also participates in the Bolivian economy by investing in equipment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and chemicals.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Bolivian market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
The Federative Republic of Brazil is the largest state in Latin America. Brazil has more than 200 million inhabitants, with a surface area of 8,511,965 sq.kms that makes it the fifth largest country in the world. The country shares borders with Uruguay to the south, Argentina and Paraguay to the southwest, Bolivia and Peru to the west and Colombia to the northwest, as well as Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana to the north. The country is also bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. With a GDP close to US$2054 billion, Brazil is the eighth largest economy in the world (source: FMI, 2017).
Although historically a major agricultural producer, this economic giant now has other undeniable assets such as abundant natural resources (oil, gas, minerals, hydroelectric potential), a dynamic and diversified industry (food, biofuels, aeronautics, automotive) and a network of modern services.
Brazil’s political stability, combined with its mining, industrial and hydropower potential, contribute to its economic development and attract many investors. Due to its geographical location, the country’s main suppliers are the United States, Argentina, China and South Korea.
France also plays an important role in the Brazilian economy. Bilateral Franco-Brazilian trade has doubled in recent years; France is also the 4th largest investor in the country.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Brazilian market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are an archipelago of the West Indies and an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, whose surface area covers 151 sq.kms, with 32,944 inhabitants and a GDP nudging US$1,027 billion (source: Population data, February 2019).
Its economy, one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean, is closely linked to the tax sector. It also relies heavily on tourism, mainly thanks to yachting, for which it is the favourite Caribbean location.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the British Virgin Islands market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Chile
The Republic of Chile is a country in South America bordered by Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and Argentina to the east. Its surface area is 756,102 sq.kms, for nearly 17.57 million inhabitants, and a GDP close to US$298 billion (source: World Bank, 2018).
Enjoying strong economic growth in recent years, Chile has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, making it the 4th biggest South American economy behind Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.
On the international front, Chile has opted for a free-market and open economy, with nearly 25 free-trade agreements between 65 countries. This decision has allowed it to strengthen its commercial positions and its role as an export platform in South America, as well as towards the Asia-Pacific zone.
France is also a major player in the Chilean market (4th biggest European supplier). The Chilean territory hosts many French companies, mainly in the energy, infrastructure and energy exploitation sectors. Three-quarters of CAC 40 listed companies have a substantial presence in Chile, while a quarter of them occupy a leading position on the market. French engineering actively contributes to the country’s development, playing a key role in several large-scale infrastructure projects.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Chilean market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Colombia
The Republic of Colombia is located in the northern part of South America. Colombia has a population of more than 46 million, for a surface area of 1,1M sq.kms. The country shares a border with Brazil to the east, as well as Ecuador and Peru to the south. The country is bordered by Panama to the northwest, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west (source: World Bank – FMI – UN, 2016).
Colombia is the fourth largest economy in Latin America with a GDP of US$306 billion. It has the fastest-growing information technology industry in the world. Colombia also boasts one of the largest shipbuilding industries on the planet, after Asia.
The Colombian economy, previously largely dependent on agriculture, has embraced new industries (IT, electronics, renewable energy, hydro–electrics).
Foreign investment in Colombia has increased over the last decade. France is also among the top five investors in the country, with around 180 French subsidiaries present on Colombian territory. France is also the largest foreign employer in Colombia (over 100,000 direct jobs).
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Colombian market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Costa Rica
The Republic of Costa Rica is a Central American country, bordered by Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It also includes Cocos Island, located in the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica covers 51,060 sq.kms and has a population of around 4.9 million inhabitants, for a GDP of US$58.91 billion (source: FMI, 2016).
Costa Rica’s economy is dependent on tourism (two million visitors a year), agriculture and the high-tech industry, particularly for its exports. Currently, the country’s income is mainly generated by exports of traditional agricultural products, such as bananas, coffee, sugar, cocoa and pineapples. Costa Rica is the 79th biggest exporter in the world. It mainly exports medical instruments, bananas, tropical fruits, orthopedic appliances and integrated circuits, while imports are concentrated on refined petroleum, automobiles, medicinal products, broadcasting equipment and other medical devices. Its main trading partners are the United States, the Netherlands, Panama and Belgium.
France is Costa Rica’s 5th biggest European supplier behind Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. Nearly 22 French subsidiaries are located in Costa Rica, including major CAC40 groups, investing in infrastructure (bridges, public transport, water and waste, etc.), renewable energies, agri-food, the medical sector, value-added services and consumer products (including franchises).
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Costa Rican market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is an archipelago of the Caribbean located in the eastern part of the island of Haiti of which it occupies two thirds. The country is bordered to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by the Mona Passage, which separates it from Puerto Rico, and to the south by the Caribbean Sea. The country has a GDP close to US$75,93 billion, a population of nearly 10 million inhabitants and a surface area of 48,730 sq.kms. The Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean after Cuba (source: World Bank – FMI – Tresor, 2017).
The economy of the Dominican Republic, long focused on agricultural exports, has been redirected towards free-trade zones and tourism. These two sectors have taken over from the sugar economy. Shipments from abroad are also a significant source for the country. The Dominican Republic is the leading tourist destination in the Caribbean, with more than 4 million tourists a year, half of whom come from North America. The United States is the Dominican Republic’s main trading partner, followed by Mexico, the Netherlands and Japan.
The Dominican Republic (DR) is France’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean. The French economic presence in the Dominican Republic is reflected in the establishment of large groups in the sectors of infrastructure and transport, telecommunications and engineering, retail and tourism.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Dominican market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
El Salvador
The Republic of El Salvador is a Central American country with a surface area of 21,040 sq.kms. It has nearly 6.37 million inhabitants and a GDP of about US$28 billion. El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country among the seven making up Central America (source: FMI – World Bank, 2017).
Despite the country’s somewhat mountainous terrain, the Salvadoran economy is largely based on agriculture, with a strong reliance on coffee exports. Its imports, mostly clothing, are intended for re-export. Salvadorans also import machinery components, food products, oil and some chemicals. El Salvador’s main economic partners are the United States, followed by neighbouring countries such as Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras (source: France Diplomatie, February 2019).
China and France also feature on the list of its major trading partners, and French companies present in El Salvador are largely concentrated in the renewable energy sector.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Salvadorian market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Guatemala
The Republic of Guatemala is a Central American country covering 108,890 sq.kms, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the west, Honduras to the east and El Salvador to the southeast. It has around 17.2 million inhabitants, for a GDP amounting to almost US$78.5 billion (source: World Bank, 2018).
Guatemala possesses a wealth of agricultural resources that it cultivates and exports (coffee, bananas, cardamom, sugar). Textiles also count among the products exported by Guatemala in large quantities. The United States, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama are its key trading partners.
France also plays an important role in Guatemala’s economy. In fact, the country is France’s 3rd largest trading partner in Central America, after Panama and Costa Rica. Nearly 20 French companies are based in Guatemala, operating mainly in the consumer goods, telecommunications, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals and services sectors. Nearly 20 French companies are based in Guatemala, primarily active in the consumer goods, telecommunications, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals and services sectors.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Guatemalan market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Honduras
The Republic of Honduras is a Central American country. Honduras has a surface area of 112,490 sq.kms, a population of 9,265,000 and a GDP of around US$21.4 billion (source: FMI – World Bank, 2017).
Honduras is known for its rich natural resources in the form of minerals, coffee, tropical fruits and sugar cane, as well as for its growing textile industry, which serves the international market. Its main economic partners are the United States, China and Guatemala. The European Union (EU) is also a major trading partner, particularly for agro-industrial exports.
Honduras hosts many renowned French companies, as well as specialized French economic players, mainly in the fields of cosmetics and luxury products.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Honduran market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Mexico
The United Mexican States is a country in the southern part of North America. Surrounded by Guatemala and Belize to the South, and the United States of America to the North, it is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the East, and by the Pacific Oceanto the West. Mexico is the 14th largest country in the world, covering an area close to 2 million sqkm. It is also the 11th most populated country on earth with an estimated population of 130.5 million inhabitants. The GDP of Mexico represents US$ 1,150 billion in 2017 (top twenty world largest economic powers). (source: France Diplomatie, World Bank).
Mexico is the ninth biggest oil producer in the world and the largest producer of silver, but itis also known for its corn, sugar, coffee, and fruit and vegetables. Its geographical proximity with the US is an asset for its economy. On the other hand, Mexico’s economic performance is highly influenced by the US market. Mexico is the main touristic destination in Latin America and the 13th most visited destination in the world (source: World Bank, World Tourism Organization).
France plays a significant role in the Mexican economy (11th largest supplier worldwide and 4th largest in Europe). There are nearly 500 French companies operating in Mexico (including major groups) in a wide range of industries. Franco-Mexican trade has increased continuously since 2009 and reached a new record in 2016, exceeding € 6 billion (source: France Diplomatie).
In order to meet the needs of its clients on the Mexican market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Panama
The Republic of Panama is a country located at the southern tip of Central America, on the Isthmus of Panama. It borders Costa Rica and Colombia, of which it was formerly a part. The country has an area of 75,517 sqkmand a population of nearly 4.16 million, for a GDP of US$55 billion (source: FMI – Tresor, 2017).
Panama has the most powerful economy in Central America and owes its economic growth mainly to the Panama Canal. Panama City is the most important financial centre in Central America. Its main resources come from activities related to financial services, trade and tourism, which play a major role in the country economy. Its main economic partners are the United States, China and Mexico.
France is also part of the Panamanian landscape with an economic presence that has been consolidated in recent years (trade, direct investment and major contracts). French companies have also taken part in many large-scale projects accompanying Panama’s development: contract for the construction of a water treatment plant won in 2009 (Degrémont – inauguration of the station in 2013), third bridge over the canal at the end of 2012 (Vinci), first metro line inaugurated in April 2014 (participation of Alstom, Thalès Cim, Tso, Sofratesa, and Systra) and contract for the second line won in July 2015.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Panamanian market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Paraguay
The Republic of Paraguay is a landlocked country covering 400,000 sq.kms bordered by Argentina to the south, Brazil to the east and Bolivia to the north. The country has just over 6 million inhabitants, for a GDP of US$27 billion. Due to its central location in South America, Paraguay is sometimes referred to as the “Heart of South America” (source: Tresor, 2016).
Paraguay’s economy is mainly based on agriculture. The country is one of the largest exporters of soybeans in the world. However, its economy has diversified considerably in recent years, developing in the energy, automotive and textile sectors. Paraguay’s main trading partners are Brazil, Russia, Argentina, Chile, Italy and Uruguay.
France is also a major partner for Paraguay and French companies are increasingly interested in opportunities in this country.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Paraguayan market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Peru
The Republic of Peru is a country located in the west of South America. Surrounded by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the Pacific Ocean, it is the third largest country of the sub-continent in terms of surface area at 1,285,220 sq.kms and has nearly 32 million inhabitants. With its mid-sized economy and a GDP of around US$211,3 billion, Peru is experiencing one of the strongest developments in the region (source: FMI, 2017).
Peru has based its expansion on the primary sector (mining, fishing, agriculture), opening up to external partners through the multiplication of free-trade agreements (14 in force, notably with the European Union and the United States, the Pacific Alliance with Chile, Colombia and Mexico) and an investor-friendly legal and tax system. The country ranks among the top five world producers of silver, copper, zinc, tin, lead and gold.
The United States and China are Peru’s two largest trading partners, but commerce with the European Union is growing, thanks to the EU-Peru Free Trade Agreement, which has been in force since March 1, 2013.
France is also a major player on the Peruvian market, as the 15th biggest foreign investor in the country and the 5th among EU members.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Peruvian market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
Uruguay
The Eastern Republic of Uruguay is a country in South America located to the south of Brazil and the east of Argentina. Uruguay has a total surface area of 176,065 sq.kms for a population of 3,5 million and a GDP of US$56,16 billion (source: France Diplomatie, March 2019).
The Uruguayan economy is very much focused on agriculture and livestock. Primary agricultural products (soy, grains, livestock, forestry) and products from the agri-food industry are its main exports. In recent years, the country’s economy has diversified with the development of industry, commerce, services and tourism. Uruguay has also invested heavily in the renewable energy sector, particularly wind energy. The country mainly trades with China, Brazil, Argentina and the United States.
France also plays an important role in the country’s economy as one of Uruguay’s leading investors. About sixty French companies operate in Uruguay, creating around 8,000 jobs.
In order to meet the needs of its customers on the Uruguayan market, Simon Associés has developed privileged relations with economic and legal partners locally.
