France is looking to deepen business engagement with Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), identifying healthcare, luxury retail, construction, logistics, agriculture and information technology as priority sectors for collaboration.
Speaking at an interactive session organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), representatives from the French Embassy in India, Business France and the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry outlined efforts to encourage more French MSMEs to enter the Indian market and forge partnerships with local businesses.
Estelle David, Director-South Asia at Business France, said the agency’s mission is to bring more French MSMEs to India and strengthen bilateral business ties. She highlighted healthcare, food and luxury retail as sectors offering significant opportunities for cooperation.
French Consul General in Kolkata, Thierry Morel, reaffirmed France’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with India in areas such as manufacturing, clean energy, aerospace and digital technology. He noted that West Bengal’s strategic location, skilled workforce and growing industrial base make it an attractive destination for investment and a gateway to Southeast Asia.
Florent Mangin, Chief of Service for Economic Affairs at the French Embassy in India, said the French mission is actively exploring opportunities in West Bengal, citing growing confidence in the state’s business environment. He identified construction, logistics, agriculture and IT as sectors attracting strong interest from French companies.
The discussions reflect growing momentum in India-France economic relations, with both sides seeking to boost MSME partnerships and expand collaboration across emerging and high-growth industries.