Date:23/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/23/stories/2006022303880900.htm

Back France initiates steps to boost trade

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Feb. 22

THE Minister for Foreign Trade of the Government of France, Ms Christine Lagarde, has announced the "Cap Export India" programme and launched the "Image of France in India" campaign.

The three-year-long campaign expects the current bilateral trade figures to grow from euro 3.5 billion to euro 7 billion by 2010.

The campaign implemented by the Embassy of France in conjunction with Indo French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI), will focus on promoting bilateral trade in key sectors such as technology, retail, power, defence, banking and finance, and biotechnology.

The programme is a new French Government initiative to support French companies develop operations in international markets by increasing exports, investments and partnerships of small and medium-scale enterprises.

Ms Lagarde said, "For France, India is a major partner. The Cap Export partnership with India will extend bilateral trade to a wider network of companies, extending the benefit of French technology to a larger population. It will strengthen France's economic partnership with India."

India and France would implement a "Pilot Committee" to increase the French business network partnership and resources in India, she added.

Currently, around 2,900 French companies are exporting to India, with a 1.5 per cent market share.