COVID-19 has affected the entire global economy, with some countries impacted more than others. That is why some countries are relying entirely on the international prospecting efforts of their domestic companies to reinvigorate their economies and strengthen their image internationally.
Did you know about the Export Recovery Vouchers for business prospecting in China?
The France Recovery program was established after COVID-19 to reinvigorate and support the efforts of French companies expanding internationally. This program targets exporting companies by providing them with financial assistance (which can be combined with other forms of assistance) to support their business prospecting efforts outside France. Intended for SMEs and mid-sized companies, this program can be considered a reward for the efforts made by these French companies seeking to export to other regions of the world. These companies can also benefit from the support of professionals from Team France Export and Approved Operators.Public assistance for exporting companies
The Export Recovery Voucher, also known as the CRE, is one of the flagship measures of the French government's Export Recovery Plan. The primary aim of this program is to initiate and encourage French companies to expand internationally or continue their international business prospecting efforts, particularly in Hong Kong and China. The good news is that this assistance can be combined with other regional aid programs or subsidies, such as export prospecting insurance, export guarantees, state guarantees, etc.Encouraging French companies to export to and establish themselves in China
China is an eligible country for this assistance.Develop your efforts and explore opportunities
Are you and your company eligible for the Export Recovery Voucher?
Not all companies are eligible for the CRE; only French micro-enterprises, SMEs, and mid-sized companies are eligible. Article 51 of the law on the modernization of the economy classifies companies into four categories:- Micro-enterprises (or TPEs): fewer than 10 people and annual turnover or total balance-sheet assets of less than 2 million euros;
- SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises): fewer than 250 employees and turnover not exceeding 50 million euros or annual total balance-sheet assets of less than 43 million euros;
- Mid-sized companies: these companies exceed the SME category, since the number of employees must be fewer than 5,000. Their turnover must not exceed 1.5 billion euros or their annual total balance-sheet assets must be less than 2 billion euros;
- Large companies include all companies that do not fall into the categories mentioned above. In addition, large companies are not eligible for the Export Recovery Voucher.
What does this export assistance scheme cover in China?
Several business activities are covered by this scheme:- Assistance for prospecting carried out by a company; this type of service is considered individual;
- Or a collective operation under the France Export 2022 Program;
- And since October 2021, training focused on international development
What is the amount of these CREs?
These vouchers can cover up to 50% of the cost of eligible services for international support. However, these vouchers are subject to certain conditions, the first being a minimum expenditure of 500 euros excluding tax. In addition, the value of the vouchers is capped according to the nature of the services:- Up to 2,500 euros for participation in the France Pavilion at an international trade show abroad
- Up to 2,000 euros for a service related to preparing and carrying out business prospecting: export audit and assessment, structuring of the export strategy, individual prospecting, communications, market research, etc.
- Up to 1,500 euros for supporting a group of companies in target markets, collective prospecting, organizing business meetings, etc.
- And since October 2021, 1- to 2-day training focused on international development, covering topics related to international expansion, with an additional dedicated voucher. Please note that this training cannot be provided by just any organization. Only providers holding Qualiopi certification or a quality label recognized by France Compétences are eligible to provide this training.
