The inaugural «Choose Outre-mer» summit took place on October 1, 2026 at the Banque de France in Paris. Organised by minister Naïma Moutchou, the event brought together more than 150 companies and investment projects representing nearly €6 billion in public and private commitments for France's overseas territories.
The Choose France model adapted for overseas territories
The event draws directly from the Choose France summit, which annually attracts major international investors to Versailles. The goal is identical: creating a space to connect local project developers, mainland investors and public decision-makers. For Réunion, the stakes are high: the unemployment rate stands at 18% in the first quarter of 2026, and business liquidations have risen 14% in a year.
The government also announced the creation of a public-private impact fund of «several tens of millions of euros» dedicated to high-growth overseas businesses. Job matching sessions run by France Travail and Apec completed the programme.
Torskal: Réunion's flagship project
The headline project presented for Réunion was Torskal, a gold nanoparticle manufacturing facility designed for cancer treatment. This €43 million investment illustrates the technological upgrade the island intends to pursue to reduce its dependence on tourism and retail trade alone.
Why it matters: Réunion can no longer rely solely on public transfers and domestic consumption to sustain its economy. Choose Outre-mer marks a turning point: for the first time, the French state is organising a dedicated investment attraction summit for its overseas territories, recognising their economic potential beyond the social framework.
Priority areas identified
Beyond the projects presented, the government outlined several priorities: faster payment timelines for small businesses, accelerated review of legislation against high living costs, and preservation of the LODEOM payroll tax relief scheme. These measures aim to make overseas territories more competitive for private investors. The next edition of Choose Outre-mer is expected in 2027.