Key facts
- France is actively seeking to deepen business engagement with Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- Key sectors identified for collaboration include healthcare, luxury retail, construction, and logistics.
- West Bengal is seen as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia with opportunities in logistics, clean energy, and manufacturing.
- French officials expressed confidence in West Bengal's business environment, highlighting interest in construction, logistics, agriculture, and IT.
France is eager to enhance its business ties with India, particularly focusing on collaborations between micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from both nations. Officials have pinpointed healthcare, luxury retail, construction, and logistics as sectors ripe with opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships.
During an interactive session in Kolkata, representatives from the French Embassy in India, Business France, and the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry emphasized their commitment to bringing more French MSMEs to India and fostering stronger business relationships. Estelle David, Director-South Asia at Business France, stated that the mission is to facilitate French MSME entry into India, with a particular focus on healthcare, food, and luxury retail.
French Consul General in Kolkata, Thierry Morel, highlighted France's dedication to expanding economic ties with India, mentioning manufacturing, clean energy, aerospace, and digital technology as areas of cooperation. He also pointed to West Bengal's potential as a gateway to Southeast Asia, citing opportunities in logistics, clean energy, and manufacturing.