Amazon to invest $1.3Bn, create 3,000 jobs in France
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — Ecommerce giant Amazon will invest over 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in its French operations, creating more than 3,000 permanent jobs in the country.
This significant investment was revealed as part of the annual “Choose France” event, which aims to attract foreign investments to bolster the French economy.
Boosting cloud and logistics infrastructure
Amazon Web Services (AWS) will allocate the funds to enhance cloud infrastructure in the Paris region, supporting France’s burgeoning generative AI sector.
Additionally, the investment will expand logistics infrastructure in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This move is expected to meet the growing demand for cloud services driven by the increasing popularity of generative AI technologies.
“These jobs are in addition to the 2,000 jobs we announced for 2024,” stated Frédéric Duval, country manager at Amazon France.
Since 2010, the company has invested more than 20 billion euros ($21.5 billion) in its French operations and employs over 22,000 permanent staff across its cloud and online retail businesses.
Accenture and GSK’s investments
The French presidency also highlighted that other major companies, including GSK and Accenture, would announce significant investments during the “Choose France” event.
Accenture has been actively expanding its presence and capabilities in France through various strategic investments and acquisitions.
In March 2023, Accenture announced its intent to acquire Optimind, a Paris-based consulting firm specializing in financial services, insurance, and compliance risk management. This acquisition aims to strengthen Accenture’s capabilities in providing clients with comprehensive risk management solutions, from strategy to compliance.
In 2020, Accenture announced an agreement to acquire France-based independent data consulting and engineering company Sentelis.
At the same time, global healthcare company GSK announced substantial investment plans for its operations in France, amounting to nearly 400 million euros ($431 million) between 2023 and 2025.
This investment will modernize and decarbonize France’s production sites and bolster its clinical trial operations, reinforcing France’s position as a key hub for pharmaceutical research and development.
France as an AI hub
France has become a central hub for AI development, attracting major tech companies like Meta and Google, which have established AI research centers in the country.
Promising startups such as Mistral and Poolside are also leading the way in AI innovation. The French government’s focus on AI and technology, supported by national funds and local billionaires, has made the country an attractive destination for tech investments.
Amazon’s latest investment underscores its commitment to expanding its footprint in France and enhancing its cloud and logistics infrastructure.
Alongside investments from Accenture and GSK, these developments are set to drive significant economic growth and job creation in the region, solidifying France’s position as a leading hub for AI and technology.
