Official visit of Mrs Anne-Marie Idrac, September (16-17), 2008
The French Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Mrs Anne-Marie Idrac is on a two-day visit to India, on 16th and 17th September 2008. This visit is in the perspective of the forthcoming European Union-India and the France-India summits to be held on 29th and 30th September , as well as in a follow-up of the State Visit to India made by the President of the French Republic in January 2008. During this visit, it was agreed with the Indian Prime Minister that high-level exchanges between our two countries would be intensified.
The Hon’ble Minister, Mrs. Idrac held several high level meetings covering a wide range of areas, namely
with Mr. Kamal Nath, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry: bilateral trade, development of investments and exchange of people (forthcoming opening of the Consulates General of Bangalore and Calcutta) and with regard to multilateral issues, Indian perspectives in the Doha negotiations (WTO) and the progress expected from the EU-India and France-India summits by the Indian authorities. A joint press conference was held on this occasion.
with Mr. Sharad Pawar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture: intensification of French cooperation for developing agricultural productivity and ensuring Indian agro-food security;
with Mr. Vilas Muttemwar, Hon’ble Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy: presentation of innovative French companies from the renewable energy sector.
On 16th September, the Minister launched the Dior and Louis Vuitton boutiques, which are among the jewels of French-style fashion and luxury, at the Emporio mall in Vasant Kunj.
Later, during a special function at the French Embassy, she bestowed the prestigious French Government honour, the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur on Mr Arun Nanda, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
On 17th September , she visited the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, where her speech focussed on the competitiveness of European markets and their development prospects during France’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. She also launched a day long Career Opportunities Fair where top French companies such as Thales, Renault, Air Liquide etc. were present.
Address by Minister of State Anne-Marie Idrac at the beginning of the CII luncheon
Speech by Minister of State Anne-Marie Idrac to the Management Development Institute (MDI)
Mrs Anne-Marie Idrac confers the Order of the Legion of Honour on Arun Nanda, 12.09.08