"From there (France), it is easy access to the Middle-East and African markets. For Indian companies, these are the territories which would be more pleasant.
Many other companies from other countries are investing and have invested in France to the point that 30-34 per cent of the exports are made by foreign companies," Richier said while addressing a gathering of industrialists today.
He was speaking at a business conference on 'France: Your Preferred Destination' jointly organised by FICCI and the Embassy of France.
"French business had a strong presence in India and it's time Indian industry explored avenues of investment in France," he added.
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He singled out the communication gap as a likely cause for lack of Indian investment in France as there is a need to highlight and depict the business and investment opportunities in France to the Indian business community.
He pointed to Indian companies such as Mahindra and Bharat Forge which are already present there and are "doing well".
The Sintex and Sonalika groups also have a presence in the French investment sector.
"FICCI will ensure that the communication gap which seems to hinder the business ties between India and France is bridged and the two nations are able to reach the next level of prosperity," said Jyotsna Suri, President, FICCI.
Listing out the positives, Director of Business France Invest, Dominique Frachon, in his presentation, said France offers legal and tax security, highly qualified and productive workforce, lower set-up and operating costs than in the US, Germany and Japan and an innovative economy to its foreign investors.
Frachon also spoke of the country's world-class infrastructure, technology and creativity options.