Commerce Minister invites French investors to set base in India

01 Feb 2012 Evaluate

With the year 2010-2011 witnessing bilateral trade between India and France worth $8 billion, the European nation stands at fifth position in the list of trading partners of India. The investments worth approximately $14 billion are in the pipeline from the European nation and the recent entry of 100% FDI in single brand retail is expected to boost the foreign inflows.

The Union Minister for Commerce - Anand Sharma anticipates nearly 25% of the $100 billion investments in the nuclear power sector over next two decades from France. Sharma whilst addressing the 4th India-France CEOs Forum at Paris has greatly valued India’s partnership with France, especially in the nuclear power sector where France is a global leader.

The Minister said there was a need for greater collaboration between India and France as the present rate of investments is way below the potential. “There are 800 French companies in India which engage over 80,000 people and we would like to see this growing in the coming years” Sharma said whilst citing Capgemini’s success story in India.

The interest shown by the French companies like Renault, Peugeot and Michelin has helped India to strengthen its presence as an automobile and auto part manufacturing hub on the global map. Referring to the recent policy decision of allowing 100% FDI in single brand retail, Sharma hoped that French luxury goods companies would establish manufacturing bases in India. As India is an emerging as a huge market for luxury goods and establishment of manufacturing facilities would provide maximum value. France, the fashion hub, is also welcomed with its design institutes and also their best practices to in partnerships with the indigenous lifestyle industry.

The recently announced National Manufacturing Policy, which involves setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones as green field integrated townships and investments in these regions by French companies could prove to be win-win for both the nations. As France have some of the largest infrastructure and utility management companies of the world including Vinci, Bouygues, Suez who would stand to gain from investments in India. Also French expertise in urban water management and waste water systems would be especially useful in developing these regions.

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