Bhubaneswar: French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan today, engaging in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for investment, education, and tourism in Odisha.
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between France and Odisha, with an emphasis on attracting French investments and fostering cultural and educational exchanges. Odisha’s economic growth and industrial development were key points of discussion, with the Ambassador expressing interest in the state’s infrastructure, tourism potential, and policy reforms that could facilitate foreign investments.
A significant part of the discussion revolved around Odisha’s role in ‘Vision Purvoday’, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate the economic transformation of eastern India. Odisha, with its rich mineral resources, strategic coastal location, and growing industrial base, is positioned as a key driver of this vision.
The Ambassador and CM Majhi deliberated on how Odisha and France could collaborate on sustainable development, urban infrastructure, and climate-resilient projects, aligning with India and France’s ongoing cooperation in sectors like defence, space, and climate change mitigation.
India and France share a long-standing partnership across multiple sectors, including technology, innovation, and environmental conservation. The meeting reaffirmed France’s commitment to expanding its presence in Odisha, leveraging the state’s growth trajectory and supporting initiatives that align with both nations’ strategic interests.
