French envoy Dr Thierry Mathou meets Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], July 2 (ANI): Dr Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister highlighted the amicable relations between France and India, emphasising India's evolving role as a Global Friend (Vishva Mitra) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"India and France have developed warm relations under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi. With the spirit of cooperation with the countries of the world, under the leadership of Hon'ble Mr Narendrabhai Modi, India is moving towards becoming a world friend, which is also benefiting the states of the country," posted the Gujarat CM on X.
"Met with Ambassador of France to India Dr Thierry Mathau in Gandhinagar. Discussed with him about increasing cooperation between France and Gujarat in areas including renewable energy, ports and sports. Consultations were held in this meeting to benefit from the expertise of France in organizing the Olympics in Gujarat in the year 2036," added the Gujarat CM.
Patel conveyed Gujarat's keen interest in utilising France's knowledge and skills in infrastructure and other facilities essential for the Olympic Games for Gujarat's 2036 Olympics. He also said he wanted to explore how this infrastructure could serve long-term purposes beyond the event.
The French Ambassador expressed a keen interest in strengthening collaboration with Gujarat, specifically in renewable energy, ports, and the sports sector. The Ambassador mentioned the presence of the French delegation and stated that two French business groups announced investments during the Vibrant Summit-2024.
Mathou also visited IIM and NID in Ahmedabad and expressed interest in establishing an educational complex in GIFT City along with Mahatma Gandhi International School.
"Thank you CM @Bhupendrapbjp for a warm welcome & an excellent meeting. #Gujarat has always been a key partner for France, with cultural ties & a growing footprint of companies across sectors. We're keen to do more with one of India's most investment friendly & dynamic states," the French envoy posted on X.
Patel mentioned the facilities available in GIFT City and emphasized its transformation into an International Finance Tech City over the past decade. The country's first International Financial Services Center is operational in GIFT. It supports an entire ecosystem for emerging fields like FinTech, IT & ITES, and Artificial Intelligence.
Mathou discussed partnerships with Gujarat in Renewable Energy and the National Maritime Heritage Museum sectors. Patel assured the state government's support in facilitating the availability, selection, and allocation of land to France for renewable energy production.
""Also, informed them about the facilities and features available in GIFT City. He informed them that an entire ecosystem of emerging sectors like FinTech, IT & ITeS and even Artificial Intelligence can be leveraged in GIFT City. He assured him of the state government's support in all areas, from the availability, selection and allocation of land to France for renewable energy production," Patel added in his X post.
Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Pankaj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary of Industries Department SJ Haider, Secretary to Chief Minister Avantika Singh, OSD AB. Panchal, VC & MD of Gujarat Maritime Board Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, MD of Index-B Shri Gaurang Makwana were present in this meeting. (ANI)