SoCultures October 2018
India & France
Can we associate more with women-centric or rural development projects which can help
to the people living in underprivileged status?
With the recent launch of our CSR committee, many French companies are committed to
take action towards sustainability and social development. IFCCI works through its CSR
committee for all social activities.
Any schemes, initiatives to support Indian startup scenes as “Make in India”, “Ease of
Business” etc initiatives are creating huge number of entrepreneurs across India.
The Indian government’s flagship initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Skill
India, etc., have been whole-heartedly adopted by French companies. Alstom is working
on several metro projects including projects in Chennai, Kochi and Lucknow. Renault is
one of the leading auto manufacturers in India and there are dozens of other smaller
French companies that are successfully manufacturing in India. Apart from these, about
twenty five researches and development (R&D) centers have been set up by French
companies and are currently operational in India. With regards to the Skill India
programme, Air Liquide, Danone, L’Oréal, Michelin, Renault, Safran, Schneider
Electric, etc., are already training thousands of Indians and providing technical skills that
are required by Indian industries.
India is an attractive destination for French entrepreneurs and many of them have forayed
into the market to set up their business.
In addition, within our Start-up committee we will soon be starting a mentorship program
for such entrepreneurs.
Any messages for the young generation in India who wish to make it big?
Basically, keep going and preserving and never giving up. There are no boundaries in the
world today.
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