Karnataka woos French companies for investments in manufacturing, R&D and aerospace sectors

Bengaluru: Karnataka has sought investments from French companies in manufacturing, research and development, aerospace and other emerging sectors, industries minister MB Patil said on Monday, as he held meetings with senior representatives of leading French firms during his visit to France.

Patil, who is leading a Karnataka delegation to France and the Netherlands, held discussions with firms such as French plant-based ingredients and pharmaceutical solutions company Roquette, in-vitro diagnostics firm bioMerieux and engineering solutions provider Hutchinson on the first day of the visit, the industries department said in a statement.

The delegation highlighted the state's industrial ecosystem, availability of raw materials, skilled workforce, biotechnology capabilities and investor-friendly policies during the meetings.


Roquette was encouraged to expand its existing manufacturing facility at Gokak in Belagavi district. The delegation also highlighted the incentives available under Karnataka’s Industrial Policy for manufacturing investments, statement said. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on possible expansion opportunities, the department said.

During the meeting with bioMérieux, the delegation encouraged the company to expand its software development activities in the state and explore setting up a development centre for microbiology products, besides considering manufacturing opportunities.

KWIN City was proposed as a potential location for a research and innovation centre. The company was encouraged to explore opportunities in emerging technologies and participate in the Global Investors Meet next year, the department said.

Hutchinson was invited to explore investments in Karnataka’s automotive and aerospace sectors, supported by the state’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities. The delegation also highlighted the upcoming Aerospace and Defence Policy and the support framework being developed for new investments.

Industries department principal secretary S Selvakumar; , industries commissioner Khushboo Goel; and Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board chief executive Govinda Reddy, were also present.