Business leaders of Var plead their case before the Finance Minister

The decarbonization of industry is a powerful lever to reindustrialize France, guarantee its sovereignty and create jobs. Thus, 60% of carbon dioxide emissions from the industrial sector are produced by fewer than fifty sites. In this context, Antoine Armand traveled to Fossur-Mer with the Minister Delegate for Energy, Olga Givernet, and the Minister Delegate for Industry, Marc Ferracci, to one of the largest industrial zones in the country. The following day in Marseille, the Minister spoke at the Mediterranean Forum on Artificial Intelligence. Then, he went to La Londe-les-Maures to talk with business leaders who shared their daily concerns.

ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES

Welcomed by Philippe Mahé, Prefect of Var, Stéphane Rambaud, MP for the third constituency of Var, and François de Canson, vice-president of the Région Sud, the Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty met with a panel of business leaders from the Var economic fabric. On this occasion, François de Canson questioned the Minister: 'There are many questions driving the world of the economy and associated research. I hope for open and respectful discussions on subjects ranging from reindustrialization, to the mobilization of France 2030 funds, to protecting our gems from leaking abroad, and the future of major competitiveness clusters such as Pôle Mer. Very selfishly, the future of the state's major attractiveness tools concerns me, specifically their balance, in the near future regarding Atout France and Business France. Our business leaders are robust, willing and forward-looking, but also remain sensitive to political and economic uncertainties. The figures for the second half of the year prove it, and you know them. Signals are expected and necessary. We are here to support you.' 'Here, you are just a few steps away from a major 20-hectare coastal reindustrialization project that has no option but to be exemplary, and we are working on it daily with Naval Group,' François de Canson told him.

CONCERNS OF BUSINESS LEADERS

Many representatives of Var's major economic forces were present. Among the business leaders were Laurence Cananzi (tourism and hotel industry), Laurent Falaize, CEO of Falaize Énergie (yachting), the de Chaunac family (Signes plateau and the legendary Paul Ricard circuit), the Arnal family (river transport), Mr. Cleveland from the Pathé group, Frédéric Devalle, CEO of the Pizzorno group, and representatives from Naval Group, Sea Owl and Égérie. For his part, Stéphane Rambaud added: 'I was able to talk with Var economic players who shared their concerns with me, particularly corporate taxation, the increase in corporate taxes, the issue of housing for seasonal workers (agriculture and hotels), unfair competition facing Europe, and administrative constraints for farmers. Representatives of the automotive sector spoke to me about the new European standards. Their concerns are well-founded. France is one of the countries where the tax burden is the highest. I was able to speak with the management of Naval Group about the reindustrialization project at Bormettes covering 22 hectares, a flagship project for the constituency and for Var. This center of excellence for drones and autonomous systems would create nearly 500 jobs. A windfall for our department and for the town of La Londe.'