France is most attractive European business location in Europe. - According to a study by KPMG auditors, published this summer, France is the most attractive business location in Europe. In its “2008 Competitive Choices” survey, KPMG compared the costs of setting up businesses world-wide. This comprehensive study compares 136 cities around the globe and focuses on 17 sectors of activity and 27 kinds of costs. In Europe, France has the lowest relocation costs. In global terms, Canada is the most attractive region, beating the US, Australia and France. The latter is in fourth place in the international league table. Three European countries are in 5th, 6th and 7th place, ahead of Japan. These countries are: the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Italy. France's lead on other European countries since 2006 is highlighted by the fact that it has become the most attractive EU country in the area of research and development and is on a par with the US. The study also illustrates: 1) cost trends in different countries (changes since 2006): a) the US has improved most of all because of the fall in the value of the dollar; b) Canada and Australia have lost their competitive edge to the US but have gained ground over other European countries; c) France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands have fallen further behind the US due to the increased value of the euro; d) Japan has gained ground due to its moderate inflation rate and the relative stability of the yen compared to the US dollar; 2) Labour costs: the US is the most competitive in this domain, ahead of Canada, Australia and France. France is the most competitive European country in this sector; location costs in major cities: Melbourne is the most attractive metropolis, ahead of Toronto, Chicago and Paris. The French capital is the most attractive European city in location terms, ahead of Naples (5th), Manchester (7th), Frankfurt (9th) and London (10th).