France exploring investment opportunities in Jharkhand: Consul

JAMSHEDPUR: The French Consul General in Kolkata, Fabrice Etienne was on a fact-finding mission to explore opportunities for investment in mineral-rich Jharkhand.

Etienne, who interacted with members of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Jharkhand council, headed by its Chairman, S K Behra today, will visit the state capital Ranchi, to meet the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister, if possible, to conduct discussions in this regard.

Talking to newsmen, Etienne said he was here on fact-finding mission and explore new avenues for French investors in the state.

After visiting Jharkhand, Etienne said, he would apprise prospective investors back home to encourage them to invest.

The Consul General admitted that there was good scope for investment in bio-sector, art and culture, academic exchange,higher education, energy, particularly in solar energy.

Etienne said France has invested 18 billion dollars in India till date in sectors including steel, energy, water, IT, banking and retail.

However, it did not expand in the east and "we are exploring opportunities" in this part of the country, he said.

The French Consul General was opened in Kolkata in 2008 to explore opportunities in Eastern India and we have plans to open a branch of Indo-France Chamber of Commerce, which was already functioning in Delhi and Mumbai, soon.