Global Opportunities

Destiny Kyles34217Pd.9

[Map of France]

[Introduction]• France is a country whose metropolitan territory is located

in Western Europe.• France is the 2nd largest country in Europe.• Paris is the most populated city in France. • France has the 7th largest economy in the world.• France is the most popular tourist destination.• France is the 4th largest importer in the world.

[Welcome Topics]• Food & praising French cuisine• Art,music, & philosophy• Sports• Current Events/history[if you know what your talking about]

[Tips on Dress]• The French perceive the way you dress as a

reflection of your social status & relative success.• Wear only conservative clothing of the highest

quality.• Men should wear dark suits.• Women should dress simply & with elegance.

[Topics To Avoid]• It is extremely bad manners to ask an individual

about his political leanings or how he voted. • Do not criticize Napoleon.• Refrain from using the standard U.S. conversation

opener, 'What do you do?'

[Gifts To Bring]• Gifts are expected for social events.• Don’t be concerned whether your gift is too

expensive or inexpensive.• Esoteric books and music are often valued as gifts. • If you’re invited to a French home consider it a

honor.• Bring flowers,quality chocolates or liqueur to the

host.

[Acceptable Public Behavior]• Good posture is a sign of

breeding in this culture. • Expect to be greeted by a

handshake; kissing on the cheeks is also common amongst colleagues at work.

• Maintaining eye contact is important.

• Chewing gum in public is considered vulgar.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets when in public.

• Snapping fingers is also considered offensive.

[Government Laws & Regulations]• France uses a civil legal system.• Law arises primarily from written statutes.• French law is divided into two principal areas: private law &

public law. • Private law includes civil & criminal law.• Public law includes administrative law & constitutional law.

[Environment]• Some forest damage from acid rain.• Air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions.• Water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural

runoff.

[Political Situation]• The President of France is head of state.• The Prime Minister is the head of government.• Executive power is exercised by the government. • Legislative power is vested in the government, Senate and

National Assembly. • The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the

legislature.

[Import Requirements]• On sea & air shipments from outside European States, the following is

required:• Single Administrative Document:

is an import declaration required for goods from third countries imported into France that is an approved form for the import declaration process. The importer or the authorized importing agency assumes responsibility of this form to declare them to customs. A form must be submitted for each product category.

[Import Requirements cont.]• Commercial Invoice:

which is a built for the goods from the buyer to the seller[in English & French].

• A Bill of Landing or Airway Bill: which is a contract between the owner and the carrier.

• Certificate of Origin: which is a document certifying that goods entering French territory are made in the country they are being sent from.