France is rolling out the red carpet for Indian business leaders. The upcoming 7th edition of the Choose France Forum, scheduled for May 13th in Versailles, will see a high-powered Indian delegation comprising seven CEOs ready to engage with their French counterparts and President Emmanuel Macron himself. This development underscores the growing importance of India-France economic ties and their shared commitment to sustainable development.
The forum, now in its seventh year, aims to attract foreign investment to France. This year, there's a specific focus on India, reflecting a commitment made by President Macron to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2023. A French official confirmed to Business Today Television that "seven Indian CEOs will meet President Macron on 13th" and participate in a dedicated Franco-India forum designed to foster dialogue and collaboration between Indian and French businesses.The agenda for the forum is clear: to encourage more Indian investment in France and strengthen the economic partnership between the two nations. The official elaborated, stating, "The objective of the Franco-India forum is to welcome more Indian investments in France and to increase further partnership between both the countries."
The Indian delegation boasts some of the country's most prominent business leaders. Scheduled to travel to Versailles are Sunil Bharti Mittal (Chair, Bharti Enterprises), Pankaj Munjal (MD, Hero Cycles), Hari Bhatia (Founder & Co-Chair, Jubilant Bharti Group), N. Chandrasekharan (Chair, Tata Sons), Samir Mehta (Chair, Torrent Group), Vinita Gupta (CEO, Lupin Limited), and Laksh Vaaman Sehgal (Samvardhana Motherson Group). These heavyweights represent diverse sectors like telecommunications, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive, showcasing the breadth of India's economic influence.
The highlight of the forum will be a private dialogue between the Indian and French CEOs, facilitated by France's Minister of Foreign Affairs. This session will delve into a critical topic – "Green city & consumption" – reflecting the growing global focus on sustainable business practices and environmental responsibility. Following this discussion, President Macron will address the CEOs, outlining the opportunities and potential for strengthened India-France collaboration in this crucial domain.
The Choose France Forum has seen a steady rise in Indian participation. Last year, four Indian CEOs attended the event. This year, the number jumps to seven, reflecting India's growing importance as a global economic player. Overall, the forum expects to welcome 180 CEOs worldwide, with 20% hailing from Asia – a significant increase considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This increased participation signifies a burgeoning optimism for foreign investment in France. Officials anticipate that investment projects announced at this year's forum will surpass those of 2023, potentially exceeding the impressive €13 billion mark. France benefited significantly from foreign investment in 2023, with 1,815 international projects creating or sustaining tens of thousands of jobs. The Choose France Forum serves as a springboard for further growth and collaboration, solidifying France's position as an attractive destination for international investment.
The upcoming Choose France Forum presents a unique opportunity for India and France to solidify their economic ties. With prominent business leaders coming together to discuss sustainability and explore investment opportunities, the stage is set for a productive dialogue that will benefit both nations. As India continues to be a major player on the world stage, France's commitment to fostering a strong economic partnership is a win-win for both sides.
