The France-Estonia Chamber of Commerce and Industry was officially launched on Tuesday 27 August 2024 (www.ccife.ee). For the first time since Estonia’s independence restoration, an official Chamber of Commerce uniting France and Estonia has been established. Over 40 guests participated in the event held at the Mövenpick Hotel in Tallinn.

The first steps were taken on 10 February 2022 with the creation of CAdFE (FRANKOFOONIDE ÄRIKLUBI EESTIS MTÜ) counting 48 active members in June 2024. CAdFE organised 30 events, conferences and meetups from June 2022 until June 2024. In March 2024, CAdFE applied to become an official Chamber and to join CCI France International. After undergoing an audit and very thorough interviews, CAdFE candidacy was accepted during the CCI France International Annual General Assembly held in Paris on 25 July 2024.

This establishment integrates the new Chamber into the vast international network of CCI France International, which brings together:

• 120 Chambers

• in 95 countries

• Comprising 35.416 companies

• 905 bi-cultural employees

• CCI France International consolidated revenue in 2023 was 80,5 million euros.

Additionally, the France-Estonia Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also linked to the French Chambers network, comprising 163 entities nationally.

To commemorate this significant milestone, Senator for French Citizens Abroad, Mr. Olivier Cadic, and the Member of Parliament / MP for the Third Constituency of French Citizens Abroad, Mr. Vincent Caure, are on an official visit to Tallinn on the 27th and 28th of August.

Speakers quotes from the Press Conference:

• Mrs Violaine Champetier de Ribes, President of the France-Estonia Chamber of Commerce:

“ We invite all Estonian companies interested in doing business in France and internationally to join the Chamber. The more we come together, the further we can go! Our goal is to strengthen our economic ties and achieve mutual success: accelerating business for our members. Currently, France is Estonia’s 12th largest economic partner, and we aspire to see it move into the top 10.”

• Mrs. Sandra Särav-Tammus, Deputy Secretary General for Economics and Innovation, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications

“France is an important trade partner for Estonia. Direct investments of French companies in Estonia already account for 2% of all investments, and the export of services has also increased tremendously in recent years. Cooperation in deep technology and start-up companies is also growing, for example in the field of environmentally friendly packaging materials, hydrogen and biotechnology. I hope that the economic relations between the two countries will gain further momentum with the opening of the Chamber of Commerce, which will certainly contribute to the increase of competitiveness in both countries and in the EU.”

• Mr. Andres Sutt, President of the Estonia-France Parliamentary Friendship Group:

“ The inauguration of the French-Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a testimony to the growing relations between France and Estonia. Our nations stand next to each other in defending the freedom as allies in NATO and in the same spirit we have seen landmark mutual investment deals happening. Skeleton’s investment in France to start developing next-generation battery technology and Corsica Sole’s decision to build together with Evecon the largest battery park in Europe are the proof of growing business ties between Estonia  and France. Developing technological superiority and strategic autonomy of the European Union is in the national interest of our both countries. The Chamber has an important contributing role to play here by facilitating innovation, trade and investment. ”

• Mr. Olivier Cadic, Senator for French Citizens Abroad:

“ The dream comes true of bringing together companies committed to developing bilateral relations within a France-Estonia Chamber of Commerce. We owe this to the determination of dynamic entrepreneurs who understand the strengths and opportunities offered by both countries. ”

• Mr. Vincent Caure, MP for the 3rd Constituency of French Citizens Abroad:

“ As an extension of the strategic partnership signed in 2020, which marks a new stage in the deepening of our bilateral relations, the creation of the first Franco-Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 1991 bears witness to the dynamism of economic relations between our two countries and the values we share. ”

• H.E. Emmanuel Mignot, French Ambassador to Estonia:

“ The transformation of the Business Club for Francophones in Estonia into an official Chamber of Commerce is the result of more than two years of hard work, as well as the reward for its remarkable dynamism coupled with a solid knowledge of the French-Estonian economic landscape. This announcement underlines the interest of French companies and entrepreneurs in Estonia and strengthens the economic relations between our two countries. ”

During the event, we briefly outlined our journey towards this achievement and shared our goals to further enhance economic relations between France and Estonia. Currently, France is Estonia’s 12th largest economic partner, and we aspire to see it move into the top 10.

Official Status Update

Our new status was officially approved on August 8th at the  AGM and will be published in the Estonian Commercial Register in the coming days. The former CAdFE (Business Club for Francophones in Estonia) is now officially recognized as the CCI FE (Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France-Estonie)

Bilateral Trade Overview

Bilateral trade between France and Estonia saw significant growth between 2020 and 2021, driven by the post-COVID economic recovery. In 2023, Estonian service exports to France were particularly robust, increasing by 22%. Services now account for 40% of the total trade value. French goods exports to Estonia reached €755 million, highlighting the potential for further trade expansion. In 2022, France was the 13th largest customer and supplier. In 2023 it became the 13th largest customer and the 12th largest supplier. Including services, France gains a position and becomes Estonia’s 12th largest economic partner. Trade with France represents 1.9% of Estonia’s foreign trade (+0.2 points).

First 2024 semester key figures: French exports decreased by 13.5% in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year (€203 million in 2024 versus €235 million in 2023). The largest declines were seen in electronics and computer products (-19%) as well as transport equipment (-37%).

French imports of Estonian products remained generally stable in value (around €170 million in the first six months of the year). However, there was a slight decrease in wood imports (-9%, approximately €45 million) in favor of a significant increase in imports of computer and electronic equipment (+54%, approximately €30 million). These two import sectors represent, in value, half of the products imported by France from Estonia. There was also a decline in French imports in the agricultural products sector (-96%), hydrocarbons, and pharmaceutical products.

Estonia’s primary exports to France include wood and wood products.Other major export categories include machinery and electronic equipment, as well as manufactured goods, chemicals, and industrial products. Conversely, Estonia imports vehicles and transport equipment from France machinery and electronic equipment, prepared foods, beverages, tobacco and chemicals.

(source: General Directorate of the Treasury, Ministry of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of the French Republic)