Kolkata|
“Unlike some countries (read China) we see India as a long term strategic investment partner and not just as a market”, said Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler, while addressing the gathered at a seminar titled, ‘Doing Business With France’, organized by CII. He substantiated his remark by mentioning that in coming two-three years France will be investing heavily in India to the tune of eight billion Euros. Though there is no concrete shape on WB but “We’d certainly interested in looking at few things”.
France has a good representation in India in terms of corporate in fields like IT, Hi-Tech Industries, Food-processing, renewable energy, sustainable urban development and agri-food and health care. There has been mutual cooperation in research in research as well what with more than 25 French R&D centers currently in India.
In all 394 major French conglomerates generate about 20 Billion Euros and projected turnover can be 20-30% more in three years said Ziegler speaking exclusive to IBG NSA. Answering to another query he said “the quickest investments in WB could be in the field of urban development, solar power, waste management and utilities. Automobiles demand larger infrastructures and may take time”.
We ended our conversation on Brexit. Though EU is facing challenges because of it, France is secured about its future. “We would of course like organizations to come into France but have no special policies or subsidies to make us attractive for the same”
In terms of volume France is placed fourth globally and third in Europe.