The Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched a perception survey among the companies in the department to measure the impact on their activities across three major sectors: commerce, industry, and services.
Jean-Pierre Savarino, President of the CCI Nice Côte d’Azur, specifies the survey results for this Friday: “The economic impact is evident! Cancellations and postponements of major events affect the entire value chain: restaurants, hotels, taxis, event agencies… Nearly 72% of companies are already negatively feeling the consequences of the coronavirus: 61% are experiencing a slowdown in activity and a decrease in attendance. 42% observe a decline in their order book. Unsurprisingly, in a department known for its tourist potential, this sector is hit hard. However, 25% of manufacturers also lament negative repercussions on their import-export activities.”
Following this result, an emergency meeting took place at the town hall, organized by Christian Estrosi, Jean-Pierre Savarino, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and all local economic stakeholders, in the presence of state services (ARS, DIRRECTE, DDFIP).
Assistance measures have been adopted and announced:
The immediate establishment of an emergency fund to assist affected companies. This fund will be notably funded by the City of Nice, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and will be coordinated by the Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry through a single contact point.
The postponement of the BÂTIR trade fair later in 2020 to protect the exhibitors at this important event.
The reimbursement by the Acropolis management to Nicexpo of the costs for the spaces paid for by exhibitors planned for the canceled Expo Fair. In return, Christian Estrosi requests Nicexpo to pass this refund onto the businesses that paid for their space.
No late penalties will be imposed on companies linked to the City or the Metropolis through a public contract, to allow them to preserve their jobs, as long as the delay is due to delivery issues or unavailability of personnel because of the Coronavirus crisis.
The billing of terrace rights and occupation of public domain (merchants, cafe owners, restaurateurs, hoteliers, taxis) is deferred to the end of June, with the possibility of exemption for companies experiencing a significant loss in revenue.
Moreover, as it was reminded, the City of Nice and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis contribute to the region’s dynamic through their level of investment. In 2020, 435 million euros will be invested. Within this framework, the City of Nice and the Metropolis propose to increase the advance payments made to the concerned companies.
