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French eye up opportunities in Brexit fallout

eiffeltowerParis is sprucing itself up to attract investors in the wake of the Brexit result.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls revealed a series of measures to bolster the capital’s business appeal.

"In this new environment which is taking shape, we want an attractive France," Valls said.

He confirmed a fall in corporate tax from 33% to 28%, and said he plans to improve the tax and legal framework to "welcome even more companies (and) make Paris the capital of smart finance."

Other tax changes include extending tax reductions for foreign employees from five to eight years.

The government is intending to create a “unique entry point” for any foreign company locating to France which can help with residence permits, school placements and the like to smooth matters for workers.

Valls said France would open "as many international sections as needed in schools" to allow children of foreign employees to have classes in their mother tongue.

The measures were announced after a recent undertaking by the mayors of Paris and London to cooperate rather than compete and “to work more closely together than ever before in order to deliver on our shared agendas”.

Paris is not alone in hoping new business will come its way should London’s gloss be dampened. Several European capitals appear to be squaring up to the challenge.

Berlin’s Free Democratic Party has been circling London with a billboard featuring the cheeky message directed at start-up companies: “Keep calm and move to Berlin”.

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