Pondicherry will woo French investors soon: CS Parida

Puducherry: A group of French investors will shortly be visiting Puducherry, said chief secretary Manoj Parida here.  The new French Consul General Ms Catherine Suard along with Bertrand De Hartingh, Chief of Bonjour India Project, called on chief secretary Manoj Parida.

The chief secretary assured that the government will organise a workshop and present various investment opportunities available to French companies in Puducherry. Discussions were held on Indo French collaboration in the upcoming smart city project.

It was decided to hold the cultural festival Bonjour India around next Republic Day which will be an Indo-French cooperation project to popularise green technology mobility and sustainable development.

The French officials showed a keen interest in the renovation of the iconic Maire building, the 143-year historic building collapsed in the rain in the November 2014.

The project will be completed by the PWD with technical assistance from INTACH and also the local French experts whose service has already been provided by the French Government and funds from the world bank also would be used.

Ms Suard on Tuesday assumed office as the Consul General of France for Puducherry. She succeeded Philippe Janvier Kamiyama who had completed his tenure and returned.

Welcoming the new Consul General to Puducherry, Mr Parida assured that the administration will provide all facilities to the French citizens staying here and also tourists visiting the town.