The objective is clear: to intensify economic cooperation between both airport zones and to develop opportunities and business schemes of shared interest.

Given their key role in a globalised economy, these airport zones - meaning the economic areas surrounding the major international airports - are enjoying increased attractiveness.

The Greater Roissy area is an exceptional place in terms of business exchanges in France. It attracts a host of companies and employs over 260,000 people. It has been one of the main hubs of job creation in the country for the last 10 years and one of the strategic hubs of development in the Greater Paris project, which aims at consolidating and increasing the French capital region's role as one of the leading metropolises of the 21st century.

Known as America's Distribution Centre for three decades, Memphis has redefined global logistics. The foremost aerotropolis in America, Memphis earned this distinction thanks to its geographic location at the very heart of North America, providing easy access to the whole world for freight and travellers.

By associating, Greater Roissy and Greater Memphis are taking an additional step towards the creation of more efficient and reliable trade routes around the world. This relationship will provide the kind of intercontinental connectivity that will put businesses no more than a few hours away from their suppliers, as well as from their end markets.

The agreement aims at providing an additional lever for economic growth and creating an extended support network for businesses looking to invest in either one of those two areas. This cooperation will also serve in jointly prospecting for companies seeking international development, the intent being to sell them both the destinations: Greater Memphis as the North American base, and Greater Roissy as the European base. Shared initiatives will be determined and implemented in order to promote both the Greater Roissy and Greater Memphis airport zones to investors and businesses.

The letter of intent was signed on April 11th, 2011 in Memphis by the following 6 parties:

• Aéroports de Paris
• Aerotropolis Europe
• Greater Memphis Chamber
• Hubstart Paris®/ Paris Region Economic Development Agency
• Memphis: America's Aerotropolis
• Memphis/Shelby County Airport

Jean-Claude Detilleux, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Paris Region Economic Development Agency, signed the agreement as representative and coordinator for Hubstart Paris®.