The number of firms settled abroad on an industrial base represent less of 3 % of the French agroallied industries, but this number is increasing, either through «joint-ventures», either through the mere sales of know-how. Our objective is to show the main reasons of this development ; search of cheap raw materials, energy, or labour - necessity to overcome strict import restrictions - costs of transport - but also necessity of an international «opening» to these firms facing the stagnation of EEC market - possibilities of getting side commercial advantages and financial returns. On the other hand it is quite possible to find a synergy between these private initiatives and the public programs of cooperation.
