As part of a high-profile delegation of top French companies in Bangalore, the Special Representative for Indo-French Economic Relations, Paul Hermelin announced recently that many French companies are keen on sharing technical know-how and tying up with the Karnataka government. They are eyeing key sectors like urban development, water and waste management, higher education, systems integration, energy and transport.

The delegation, comprising 17 French CEOs was led by French Ambassador to India, Francois Richier, and held talks with Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah; Chief Secretary, Kaushik Mukherjee; and Governor, H.R. Bhardwaj.

Besides, French companies operating in key sectors like urban development, energy, transport and water presented their expertise in these areas to the chief minister and governor and discussed key areas of investment and potential business opportunities in the areas of urban development, non-conventional energy sources and urban transport solutions. Interestingly, it was found that companies like Veolia and Suez Environment have been very interested in helping Karnataka address its water and waste management issues.

Further, Hermelin mentioned that plans to set up a coherent framework under which investments could be underway. “We have focussed on drawing up plans to set up a coherent framework under which investments can be made,” he said.