The Hindu Business Line : `France keen to do business with India'

A NUMBER of French companies are exploring business opportunities in India. This was informed by Mr N. Srinivasan, Director General of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

He said that France now recognises India's competence in technology and engineering and a host of French companies are looking at India to set up manufacturing facilities.

However, Mr. Srinivasan, who has recently come back from a visit to France, said that there are concerns in France regarding India's weakness in infrastructure and delays in Governmental approvals. "We have explained to the French business community on how the delays in decision making process can be overcome. The French companies, who are setting up business in India in collaboration with an Indian company, should do so after careful analysis and research. This would definitely help shortening the timeframe," he said.

There will be several French delegations visiting India in the next six months including those on defence and aerospace, automotive sector and technology, Mr Srinivasan told Business Line. Hospitality is another sector in India which the French are keenon. Several French auto and auto component makers have also promised to be present at the Auto Expo, to be organised by CII in January 2006.

There has been some hectic activity towards deals between India and France recently. The French business houses sat up when Euro 13-billion orders were placed at the recently organised Le Bourget France Air Show by three Indian airlines — Jet, Kingfisher, and Indigo — out of the total order placed at the show worth Euro 42 billion. Further, Air France is starting direct flights from Paris to Bangalore five times a week from October. HAL has procured orders from Airbus for producing doors. The deal also marks the recognition of the Indian expertise in Indian engineering by French. Safran, jet engine and aerospace equipment maker, is in talks with HAL for project related works.

Alcatel is already engaged in captive outsourcing at its Chennai, Bangalore and Gurgaon facilities.

Renault has tied up with Mahindra and Mahindra for a new car "Logan" to be manufactured at M&M's Nashik plant. Valeo, car parts manufacturer, is also planning to set up shop in India.

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