Speaking at a CII-organised seminar on France-India 2000, "Partners of the New Millennium", ambassador Blanchemaison said more French companies are slated to invest in Tamil Nadu shortly but did not divulge details. He said big French companies like Alstom, Alcatel, Elf Petroleum in a joint venture with the Sanmar group, St. Gobain, Thomson and Schumacher are already having a presence in Tamil Nadu. The ambassador said a major French technology and trade exhibition styled France India 2000 is to be held from December 6-10 this year at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Organised by the French government under the patronage of the ministry of commerce, Government of India, the exhibition will have participation from 180 French companies showcasing advanced French technology in energy, telecommunications, oil and gas exploration, transport, mining and engineering, electronics, water and environment management and construction. The exhibition will also be the occasion to hold parallel conferences in electricity transmission and distribution, aeronautics, animal husbandry, environment, oil and gas and transport.

"Indian economy is stable and showing intrinsic growth and the reform agenda is moving as per expectations," the ambassador said. He added that the aim of French government is to become one of India's major partners in the next millennium ." Ambassador Blacnhemaison said France would also like to double bilateral trade between France and India in the coming five years by promoting more joint ventures between India and France. The French government has decided to open a branch of French Trade Commission in Chennai on January 1, 2000. State industry secretary M S Srinivasan said the state offers huge opportunities for French companies to invest in fashion textiles, IT and agro-based industries.