Microsoft, Amazon Invest Billions in France To Boost Their AI Presence

Microsoft (MSFT) and Amazon (AMZN) are among a slew of companies investing billions in France as part of President Emmanuel Macron’s push to draw international investors.

Microsoft said Monday that it is investing 4 billion euros ($4.32 billion) to build an AI data center and cloud infrastructure in France.

“We are building state-of-the-art Cloud and AI infrastructure, training people with AI skills, and supporting French startups,” Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said.

Microsoft Announcement Follows $3.3B Wisconsin AI Data Center Investment

The investment into France’s AI sectors was announced during the annual “Choose France” summit that began Monday. Microsoft has been on a global spending spree to build AI infrastructure, and last week announced a $3.3 billion investment into building an AI data center in Wisconsin.

Amazon said separately it would invest more than 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) into its French operations to boost its AI presence and support the expansion of its logistics network to speed up deliveries.

Amazon Touts Job Creation in France

Amazon’s investment will increase Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure in the Paris area and logistics infrastructure in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it said. Amazon added the plan will create 3,000 permanent new jobs in France, where it recently announced 2,000 additional permanent positions.

Microsoft and Amazon shares were both down less than 1% an hour after the opening bell Monday.