Regional profile
At 45 348 square kilometers (larger than Switzerland) Midi-Pyrénées is the largest of the French regions, yet it has an population density of 54 inhabitants per square kilometre. Situated in the heart of South-West France, bordering Spain, Midi-Pyrénées extends from the wooded hills of the Lot trough the great river valleys of the center to the majestic Pyrénées.

Economy profile:

Industry employs 16.2% of the work force, while the services sector employs 55.6%. Industry includes sectors such as aerospace, electronics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals (Pierre Fabre Laboratories), textiles and agrofoods. Traditional activities, such as wool (Mazamet, Lavelanet), leather and skins (Tarn, Aveyron), the coal beds (Decazeville, Carmaux today closed), the iron and steel works (Decazeville, Pamiers) are also present. The region is also home to Europe’s top aeronautics complex; Airbus Industrie, Aerospatiale (EADS Consortium) and the National SpaceCenter (CNES), in total they employ more than 11,000 workers. Midi-Pyrénées has become a European leader in high technology industries This dynamism allowed the development of spatial and military electronics companies (Thomson-CSF, Alcatel, Matra, GIAT). Nonetheless, the region is attempting to diversify its industrial activities to limit dependency on the aeronautics sector.

Education: With 120,000 students, the region’s Universities (Toulouse, Albi, Tarbes…) represent the second largest student population in France. With a large number of quality, prestigious “grandes écoles”, institutes and laboratories, Midi-Pyrénées has a joint relationship: research / universities / industry. The region is also home to an important component industry (Motorola, Thomson, Siemens…), as well as a host to skilled industries and research laboratories in the field of chemicals, bio-technologies, etc.

Agriculture in Midi-Pyrénées employs 8.3% of the work force. Livestock and dairy production is extensive (including Roquefort cheese). Midi-Pyrénées is the top seed-producing region in France (crops, maize…). In the valleys of the Garonne and of the Tarn rivers, and in high “Quercy”, the fruit & vegetable production also has an important place. Vineyards are also important, providing local wines such as Fronton, Gaillac, Cahors… Those activities support a strong food industry specialized in luxury products, such as: “foie gras”, truffles, Roquefort cheese, Armagnac…

Tourism: A great variety of sites encourage tourism in Midi-Pyrénées, with historical and culinary cultural heritage. Also Lourdes, the most important place in Christian pilgrimage (after Rome), and one of the most visited sites in France, is located in Midi-Pyrénées.

Communication–Infrastructure: Moreover, the region offers excellent opportunities for grouping or breaking down shipments which arrive or depart via turnpike and cover the following zones: Metropolitan Toulouse, the Pyrenees areas, the greater southwest Europe with The Iberic Peninsula. Approximately 18 million consumers reside within a 300-km radius. The airport, the fourth busiest in France, is merely fifteen minutes away, with national and international flights, and an annual 5 million passenger capacity. The TGV high speed train links Paris to Toulouse in 5 hours, and from 2007, this will be reduced to just 3h30.

Midi-Pyrénées and Europe
Through its size, its diversity and the richness of its cultural heritage, Midi Pyrénées has naturally a strategical place in Europe, laying at the crossroads of different geographical areas. Through its identity and way of life Midi Pyrénées is clearly to be seen as part of the “Grand Sud Ouest” but is also closely related to the Atlantic Area. This position demands that the region to establish its development in a large European frame in co-operation with neighbouring regions. Midi Pyrénées doesn’t ignore its European dimension and actively takes part in two interregional cooperations the Atlantic Area and the South West European Area.

The natural, historical factors and the specificities of its development therefore, have a role in shaping the involvment of Midi Pyrénées in European actions. Appreciating the importance of the promotion of an harmonious and balanced development, Midi Pyrénées is conscious that its environmental diversity, its great potential for a quality of city life and for tourism (heritage, diversity and identity) are good assets to create new models of sustainable development in the region. Seeking in European programmes the opportunities to display its strenghs and develop its potential, Midi Pyrénées has a special interest for such issues as rural development, tourism, environment or culture. In these fields, Midi Pyrénées is engaged in co-operation with other regions and is currently taking part in different programmes: INTERREG IIIB, Culture 2000, Leader +, actions promoting a sustainable development…

In confirmation of the region’s interest in European issues, Midi Pyrénées Europe was created in October 2001 and brings together the regional authority and 7 local authorities. The office in Brusssels aims to act as an interface between the region and the EU institutions, aims to defend and promote the region’s interests and priorities. Midi Pyrénées Europe has a threefold objective:

• Inform:
obtaining in advance information on European policies, programs and funding opportunities with a special focus on the regional priorities and communicating this via our monthly Newsletter and our website.

• Provide technical assistance:
to bring expertise and help in responding to call for proposals.

• Represent, Network Midi-Pyrénées in Europe:
We also aim to be a visible point of contact for the region, to develop a network of contacts with the institutions and other regions and have an influence on key decisions when the region is concerned.