5 000 participants in round tables, 800 proposals from across the territory, hours of debate … Put the issue of competitiveness at the heart of the debate: it was the whole purpose of the General Industry. Today, while traveling at Eurocopter in Marignane (Bouches-du-Rhone), Nicolas Sarkozy will close the first phase of work completed since last October by announcing a series of steps to a new industrial policy 'ambitious, powerful and consistent, in the words recently used by the Elysee.

I must say it is urgent.Beyond the occasional cases in which the government provides the voice for several months (Heuliez, Molex, Total …), de-industrialization of the country is evident for several years: between 1980 and 2007 its contribution to national wealth rose by 24 % to 14% and, over this period, its numbers have melted to a trickle, from 5.32 million to 3.41 million – a drop of 36% of its workforce, according to estimates by the Treasury Department.

Accompanied on Thursday morning from the Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde, and his industry colleagues, Christian Estrosi, the head of state should take over the main proposals ginned in recent months by the companies themselves, partners social and ministers themselves.

To restore the industrial base of France, the government initially advocated a policy of industry.Because it takes a more balanced relationship between contractors and subcontractors, instead of a relationship "to dominate dominated" commonplace today. The establishment of investment funds sector for the most strategic channels to digital, energy, transportation, pharmacy … – with the participation of principals, should be announced.

Governments also want to encourage employment – particularly in developing mentoring by senior citizens and reorganizing the training – and the location in France of production tools and research."It is not normal that BMW produces nearly three quarters of its cars in Germany and Renault do not produce only 25% in France, likes to cite the example of Christian Estrosi.

On the one billion euros dedicated to general statements in the large loan, 185 million have also been planned to provide repayable loans to companies wishing to reinvest in France. A total of 500 million for loans at subsidized rates for green investments is also provided in this framework.

Innovation, a perpetuation of the current form of research tax credit – at least for SMEs – would be announced today. The CIR could also be extended to expenditure standards, patents and prototypes. One idea that won almost unanimous support.In one detail, cost: about one billion euros.

"Do not close the file"

For the CGT – including metallurgy and chemical federations call for day of action Thursday for the defense of employment in the industry – "the government should not close the file of the General Industry (…) After a speech by President of the Republic. "

This is unlikely to be the case … In fact, some people put on the table at the conclusion of the General Industry require further reflection. Especially the financing industry. Ways to redirect part of the French savings to industry, SMEs and unlisted companies should be studied by the summer.Such a new method of financing social protection, less work-related, too.

Time, it will also need a bit to play a proactive role at European level in order to convince the Member States of the need for a common industrial policy.

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