Occitanie Sees Strong Economic Growth with New Leadership and Foreign Investments in 2025

The Occitanie region is experiencing significant economic momentum, fueled by new local leadership and robust foreign investment activity. Olivier Grima, a longtime advocate for economic development, was elected president of the Agglo d’Agen in April 2023. With over 25 years in local governance, including his previous role as vice-president in charge of the economy since 2016, Grima plans to continue major projects such as the LGV station in Brax and expansions at Technopole Agen Garonne. His leadership is noted for integrity and a focus on sustaining regional development.

In 2025, Occitanie attracted 140 foreign direct investment projects, accounting for 7% of all foreign investments in France and expected to create or maintain 3,230 jobs, a 19% increase over 2024. Among these investments, 66% are creating new establishments including 92 new sites with 46 retail outlets. The investments are focused primarily in Haute-Garonne and Hérault, which represent more than 70% of the job growth. Germany leads with 24 projects, followed by the UK with 20, and the US with 14, although US investments have declined recently. New investors such as Switzerland and Ireland also contributed significantly, with Ireland’s Paragon project alone accounting for 8% of the projected jobs.

The German company Cykero announced plans for a Technocentre in Montpellier to create 160 jobs. These developments underscore Occitanie's resilience and appeal in uncertain global economic conditions.

Under Grima’s stewardship and continued foreign investment interest, the region is positioned for sustained economic growth, combining local initiative with international engagement to drive job creation and infrastructure development.