Nagpur: France has shown interest in partnering with Nagpur to make it a smart city.
This was indicated by French Consul General for western India, Jean Raphael Peytregnet, who is on his two-day visit to Nagpur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to create 100 smart cities across the country and France has offered its expertise, manpower and material in urban development to build new-age cities, and plans to send a team of architects to Nagpur to “explore possibilities”.
Accompanied by the French Trade Commissioner of Consulate General Matthieu Lefort, Peytregnet said that the basic objective would be to “explore possibilities” of co-operation in urban development.
Since each city has a different requirement, there is nothing specific in mind, though tailor-made solutions could be offered, he said.
Peytregnet said that New Delhi would host a convention of architects later in November, when a French team would eventually visit Nagpur.
Apart from exploring options in Mumbai and the national capital, they will also be urged to visit other Indian cities, he said.
“There is immense scope for developing modern infrastructure in India. We will be calling on officials of various municipalities and civic bodies across the country to look for tie-ups. Nagpur, being in the heart of the country, is very much on our mind,” he said.
The Consul General met Nagpur Mayor Pravin Datke, his deputy Munna Pokulwar, Municipal Commissioner Shyam Wardhane and former mayor Anil Sole to discuss issues related to the smart city concept.
Lefort said there is also a focus on sectors such as consumer goods, agriculture, automobiles, avionics and tourism.
Current investment by French companies in India stands at €15 billion (Dh71.4 billion), while Indian investment in France stands at €300 million. The French government is keen to increase this figure by promoting Indian business proposals, he said.
Besides developing Nagpur into a smart city, the diplomats also asserted that they are exploring possibilities of investments in the Multi Modal International Passenger and Cargo Hub (Mihan) in the city and were satisfied with the availability of space, good connectivity, infrastructure, power, manpower, incentives and industrial environment in Mihan.
Both the diplomats also met office bearers of two prominent NGOs namely Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) and Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED) during their two-day stay in the city.
While interactions with VED, the top diplomat said that he would like more Indian students to study in France, especially since universities in France would now teach in English.
