International expansion and exports to France

France as a market

France is a market of 66 million consumers. It is Europe’s third-largest and the world’s seventh-largest economy. The country is also a natural gateway to large parts of Africa, offering access to a significant additional market.

We work closely with the Norwegian Embassy in Paris, the Norwegian consulates in France and the French-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce. We conduct market research, provide access to networks and identify potential partners. We can also support you in meetings and negotiations where language skills and local knowledge are important. We monitor the market and work closely with our colleagues in Norway to find funding and advisory solutions for companies looking to expand internationally.

Opportunities for Norwegian companies in France

Norway has a strong reputation in France as a pioneer in maritime technology and clean energy, with a clear focus on nature, the environment and sustainability.

Energy and offshore wind

Offshore wind and carbon capture, transport and storage are priority areas in France, and we see significant opportunities for Norwegian industry, including both developers and suppliers. We have dedicated offshore wind experts as part of our major export initiatives, and work with the Franco-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce and Norwep to promote Norwegian solutions.

Maritime transport

France has a strategic maritime position, both in Europe and globally, thanks to its overseas territories. To strengthen this position further, the French government has allocated significant funding to modernise and upgrade the country's port infrastructure. More sustainable solutions, autonomous transport and the use of inland waterways such as rivers and canals are also receiving considerable attention and public funding.

For Norwegian maritime companies, export opportunities are particularly strong in green transport solutions, infrastructure, digitalisation, logistics and unit flow optimisation, and technologies for data collection and analysis.

Electric mobility

France has ambitious national climate plans, with the electrification of the transport sector playing a key role. The country aims to take a leading role in Europe's battery value chain and needs Norwegian solutions, particularly for critical raw materials and their recycling.

Bioeconomy and agritech

The market for sustainable, bio-based construction materials in France is growing rapidly. This creates significant opportunities for Norwegian suppliers of smart, sustainable solutions. A new French law requires all new public buildings to use 50 per cent bio-based materials, opening up opportunities for Norwegian expertise in areas such as the timber industry.

France is Europe's largest food producer. Cereals, meat and dairy products, as well as wine, are particularly important, and the food market continues to grow. The country has established itself as a strong player in agricultural technology, focusing on a more efficient and sustainable agricultural system across the entire value chain. This offers promising opportunities for Norwegian agritech and foodtech companies. SIAL, the world's largest food innovation trade fair, takes place in Paris every other year.

Fish and seafood

France is one of the world's largest consumers of seafood. Every year, the country imports more than one million tonnes of seafood, and Norwegian fish has a strong position in the market. Norwegian salmon is particularly popular, as are seasonal skrei, saithe, king crab and prawns.

Entrepreneurs

Paris ranks among Europe’s leading cities for startups, offering strong opportunities to launch, scale and finance new ventures. The city has a well-developed venture capital sector, a strong research presence, publicly funded programmes and a growing number of co-working spaces and accelerators. It is also home to Station F, the world’s largest and most widely recognised startup campus.

Travel and tourism

For many French people, Norway is a dream destination. Norway is seen as a country that respects the environment and sustainability, where you can unwind through nature-based activities while also enjoying cultural experiences in its cities.

Tour operators and travel agencies have a strong position in the French market. We therefore work closely with travel trade professionals in France to make Norway a preferred holiday destination for French travellers.

You can read more about French tourism to Norway on Visit Norway's website.