M.B. Patil strengthens Karnataka-France business ties for Invest Karnataka 2025

France: Shri M.B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka, led a high-level delegation to France as part of the global roadshow for Invest Karnataka 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen economic partnerships, highlight Karnataka’s investment potential, and invite global stakeholders to the state’s flagship investor summit.

The delegation engaged in strategic discussions with Forvia, a leading global automotive supplier, where senior executives, including Mr. Schmitt Jean-Pierre, Ms. Maryse Penny, and Ms. Mary Jay East, provided a detailed overview of the company’s global operations and significant presence in Karnataka. Forvia expressed its eagerness to expand further in India, with a strong focus on Karnataka, given its conducive business environment. Shri M.B. Patil assured the company of the state’s full support for both its ongoing and future investments and formally invited Forvia to participate in Invest Karnataka 2025.

In a meeting with Schneider Electric, held at the Indian Embassy in Paris, Mr. Bruno Turchet, Vice President – Global Supply Chain Strategy Deployment, discussed the company’s investment plans for Karnataka. Schneider Electric emphasized the strategic importance of Bengaluru, where it currently employs 11,000 people, with plans to add 5,000 more in the coming years through the establishment of a new PCB manufacturing facility.

The discussions also focused on enhancing the availability of electromechanical engineers and increasing localization of supply chains. The Minister reiterated the Government of Karnataka’s commitment to supporting Schneider Electric’s expansion and invited its global leadership team to the upcoming Global Investors Meet.

The delegation also met with MEDEF, France’s largest business confederation, representing over 200,000 companies. During the interaction at MEDEF’s Paris headquarters, the Karnataka delegation highlighted the state’s strengths in innovation, R&D, aerospace, defense, and other key sectors. They emphasized Karnataka’s robust social infrastructure and skilled talent pool as factors making it an ideal investment destination.

MEDEF expressed interest in deeper collaboration, particularly in broadcasting Karnataka’s investment opportunities to its member companies. The Government of Karnataka extended an invitation to MEDEF and its member companies to participate in Invest Karnataka 2025, encouraging a high-level delegation to explore opportunities in the state.

The roadshow in France showcased Karnataka’s proactive approach to attracting investments and fostering global collaborations. It reinforced the state’s position as a leading hub for innovation and industry, setting the stage for successful engagements at the upcoming Global Investors Meet.

Smt Gunjan Krishna, IAS, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of Commerce and Industries.