French Polynesia Country Summary

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France. As such, we are including the information for France below:

FATF Status

France is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The latest follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in France was undertaken in 2022. According to that Evaluation, France was deemed Compliant for 19 and Largely Compliant for 18 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was rated Highly Effective for 3 and Substantially Effective for 6 of the Effectiveness & Technical Compliance ratings.

French Polynesia, as an overseas collectivity of France, is influenced by France's legislative measures aimed at combating corruption and enhancing transparency in public life. Despite the introduction of laws such as the "Loi Sapin II" and the establishment of anti-corruption agencies, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of enforcement and the integrity of public officials, particularly in light of ongoing corruption cases involving high-ranking individuals.

French Polynesia's economy is predominantly tourism-based, heavily reliant on imports and financial support from France, with key industries including tourism, pearls, agricultural processing, and handicrafts. In 2022, the territory's GDP was approximately $5.815 billion, reflecting a per capita GDP of around $18,600, although the economy faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has demonstrated resilience and growth. The investment climate benefits from its status as an overseas collectivity of France, providing stability and access to financial resources, while opportunities exist in tourism and agriculture, particularly in high-quality vanilla and black pearl production, with the government actively encouraging foreign investment in tourism infrastructure.