PTI

France eyes India''s infrastructure sector

Sun, Nov 8 11:19 AM

New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) Noting that infrastructure building is a key challenge in India, France has said it is ready to work with the country in this area. French companies dealing with infrastructure building are among the global leaders in the field and his country wants them to increase their presence in India, the Ambassador of France to New Delhi, Jerome Bonnafont, said.

"We want to be more present in the area of infrastructure. You know that infrastructure building is a key challenge in India," he told PTI. The Ambassador said the French road system, public transport system, water and sanitation system are amongst the best in the world and the country is keen to pass on the expertise to India.

For the purpose, he said, talks are on with the Centre and some state governments. "Not only with the government (Centre) but also with governments of the states so that when there is an opportunity, our companies can present their offer, in particular, in the field of public-private partnership for water, sanitation, transport," the diplomat said.

Bonnafont said states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have approached French companies for participating in tenders for big infrastructure works. He noted that for better relations, the two countries need to intensify people-to-people exchanges.

"So naturally university and scientific and cultural cooperation come because we believe that the basis of sound relations between the two countries is intensifying human exchanges". MORE PTI RRD SPC.

Inside News

Editor's picks