What Did Piyush Goyal Discuss with Global CEOs About India's EV and RE Potential?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Piyush Goyal engages with top global CEOs to explore investment opportunities.
- Focus areas include electric vehicles and renewable energy.
- Discussions aim to strengthen Indo-French economic partnerships.
- India is likely to finalize an FTA with Oman soon.
- Meetings scheduled with major French companies for collaboration.
Paris/New Delhi, June 2 (NationPress) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal convened with prominent global CEOs in Paris on Monday to delve into their prospective investment strategies in the Indian market, particularly in the thriving sectors of electric vehicles and renewable energy (RE).
This official visit to France aims to enhance trade and investment opportunities, coinciding with a ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) scheduled for Tuesday.
“I had a productive meeting with Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, where we shared insights about India’s escalating potential as an automobile manufacturing center and the burgeoning opportunities in the EV sector,” Goyal posted on the X social media platform.
Additionally, he engaged with Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of the state-operated energy provider EDF, discussing India’s rising role in the renewable energy domain and exploring strategies to incorporate sustainable energy solutions within the developmental framework.
Earlier, the Union Minister met with Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, a leading global energy company, where they explored the company’s investment prospects in India and potential collaborations in the renewable energy landscape.
Minister Goyal has also signaled that India is on the verge of finalizing a free trade agreement (FTA) with Oman soon, as negotiations between the two nations are progressing positively. Talks for this trade pact began in November 2023, and Goyal visited Oman from January 27 to January 28. He commenced his official visit to France and Italy to bolster economic relations.
Throughout his three-day schedule in France, Union Minister Goyal is set to conduct bilateral meetings, including discussions with Eric Lombard, Minister of Economy, and Laurent Saint-Martin, French Trade Minister, as outlined by the Commerce Ministry. The focus will be on strengthening the Indo-French economic partnership and discovering new opportunities for enhancing trade and investment.
He will also meet with senior executives from major French firms including Vicat, Total Energies, L'Oreal, Renault, Valeo, EDF, and ATR.
After his engagements in France, the Union Minister will head to Italy for the subsequent phase of his official visit.