Baromed 2008
"The Next European Frontier"

The Baromed survey measures the real and perceived attractiveness of the Euro-mediterranean region to investors. It aims to provide a clearer image of the zone* and assist with forecasting future investment patterns.

According to a representative panel of 315 international business leaders interviewed for this second edition, the Euro-mediterranean zone could be the next eldorado of the European Union, after its extension eastwards. While foreign direct investment remains directed towards the northern part of the zone, with 923 projects compared with 258 in the south; the attractiveness of the southern rim has considerably improved over the last three years, with a 49% positive rating in 2007.

Over the next three years, the attractiveness of the Euro-mediterranean zone looks set to overtake even that of Western Europe, with a confidence rating of 51%, compared with 49% respectively. However, survey results for the Euro-mediterranean zone are significantly behind those of Central Europe (67%) and Eastern Europe (63%). These two zones remain the key competitors of the region over the next few years.

Among the main cities within the zone, Barcelona is ranked as the flagship city: more than half (52%) of investors cite it as the most attractive city within the Euro-mediterranean zone, ahead of Rome (32%), Istanbul (25%) and Marseilles (20%).

Finally in terms of preferred locations for high value-added activites and R&D within the southern rim, Turkey (21%), Israel (15%) Morocco (12%), Egypt (6%) and Tunisia (6%) are deemed the most attractive by our interview panel. It is on these strategic functions that the winners and losers in the business world over the next few years will be staked.

What are the most recent location decisions in the Euro-mediterranean zone? In which sectors and for which functions? What wer the chellenges for the next five years? what countries will represent tomorrow's challengers? Numerous questions to which the Baromed 2008 provides the answers.

Find out more about the Baromed 2008 : "The next European frontier"

* The Euro-mediterranean zone comprises the following countries: France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Syria.