Kolkata, Jun 15 (PTI) Officials from the French Embassy in India and representatives of an Indo-French business chamber on Monday held discussions with industry leaders in Kolkata on investment and trade opportunities in West Bengal, against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to France and the signing of multiple bilateral agreements.
Among others, French Consul General in Kolkata Thierry Morel was present at the meeting, hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
The discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation and exploring opportunities for French companies in West Bengal following the recent expansion of India-France strategic and economic ties, officials said.
The meeting assumed significance as it came a day after Modi’s visit to France, during which the two countries announced 19 agreements covering areas such as innovation, artificial intelligence, civil nuclear energy and trade.
A statement said key outcomes included a framework to double bilateral trade over the next five years, the adoption of an Innovation Roadmap 2030, measures to support start-up collaboration, and initiatives in digital governance and scientific research.
The state could emerge as a beneficiary of the renewed momentum in India-France relations, ICC Senior VP Parthiv Neotia said.
He highlighted the opportunities that may arise from economic policies expected to be announced by the West Bengal government, and said that French companies could explore partnerships within the broader framework of cooperation agreed upon by the two countries.
Participants discussed the need for West Bengal to position itself to benefit from the proposed mechanism aimed at increasing bilateral trade between India and France from the current USD 16 billion to nearly USD 32 billion over the next five years.
According to the chamber, West Bengal’s export base, port connectivity, industrial ecosystem and growing start-up sector make it a potential destination for French investments.
The state exported goods worth more than USD 12 billion in FY25 and is home to over 2,000 recognised start-ups, it said, adding that its location as a gateway to Northeast India and the BIMSTEC region could further enhance its attractiveness for international businesses.
The meeting was attended by Florent Mangin, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the French Embassy, Dana Brahimi, Deputy Chief of Economic Affairs for South Asia at the embassy, Estelle David, Trade and Investment Commissioner and Director of Business France South Asia, and Payal Kanwar, Director General of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry. PTI BSM NN
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