France is keen on carrying forward its traditional relationship with the Union Territory, Michele Alliot Marie, French Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, has said.
Addressing a press conference after speaking to students of Lycee Francais here on Sunday, she said her visit to the Union Territory was to re-affirm France's commitment to carry forward the traditional relationship with Puducherry.
Elaborating on discussions she had with Lieutenant Governor Iqbal Singh and Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam on Saturday, the French Minister said they discussed investments which French companies could make in the Union Territory. Investments in sectors such as sewage treatment, tourism and Information Technology were discussed.
A release from the Lieutenant Governor's Office said Mr. Singh wanted the French Minister to convene a French Investor's meet here to explore the possibility of investment by the French entrepreneurs.
She agreed to examine the feasibility of exchange of teachers and students to benefit French learning in Puducherry and also look into the possibility of facilitating students from here to persuade technical training in tourism management institutes in France, the release said.
She said that the partnership between Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research Institute and Toulouse Cancer Research Institute in France would enable exchange of information on most recent methodologies in cancer treatment.
Mr. Singh appealed to the French Minister to explore the possibility of exchanging teaching scholars of France and Puducherry, the release said.
