Bhubaneswar: A French business delegation led by Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler met Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat here on Saturday and expressed interest in investing in Odisha.
Notably, different companies of France are interested to invest in hotel, steel, electronics items, energy as well as in other sectors.
The Chief Minister requested the French companies to invest in the state and participate in the second edition of ‘Make in Odisha’ scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 11 to 15.
Giving a warm welcome to Alexandre Ziegler and other deligates, the Chief Minister said, “Odisha has become an attractive place for the investment. A socio-economic and commercial bond can be established between India and France with investments in Odisha.”
He further said that Odisha is a mineral-rich state. The state has won the distinction of being the aluminium capital of South Asia with 54 per cent of total production. Similarly, the country’s 25 per cent steel is produced in Odisha. Thus, the state has earned fame as steel hub, he added.
“Odisha has its Vision-2030 for the development of downstream and ancillary industries in the metal sector. The state government will formulate a policy on defence and aerospace sectors soon,” Naveen said.
The Chief Minister also requested the delegation to invest in aircraft, food processing and medical equipment.
Ziegler and members of Indo-French Chamber of Commerce said, “Odisha has a suitable environment for investment. We are looking forward to better commercial relationships between France and Odisha.”
Industries Minister Anant Das and Chief Secretary A P Padhi were present.
