Event report

French Pavilion at Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024

8 January 2024

The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce (IFCCI) successfully established the French Pavilion at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024 (TNGIM 2024).

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The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce (IFCCI) successfully established the French Pavilion at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024 (TNGIM 2024), organized by The Government of Tamil Nadu on the 7th and 8th of January 2024, at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai.

With the aim of fostering economic ties between India and France and showcasing the strengths of technology and services of French businesses in Tamil Nadu, the Consulate General of France in Pondicherry and Chennai and IFCCI along the rest of Team France in India (Regional Economic Service for India and South Asia - French Embassy in India / Ambassade de France en Inde, Business France India, CCE Inde - French Foreign Trade Advisors, Alliance Française de Madras, and La French Tech India) to set up the French Pavilion at TNGIM 2024.

Day 1 : The inauguration of the French Pavilion at Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024 took place in the presence of Thiru Dr. T.R.B Rajaa, the Honorable Minister for Industries, Investments Promotion & Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Mrs Lise Talbot Barré, the Consul General of France in Pondicherry and Chennai. The presence of both dignitaries added significant value to the occasion, highlighting the promise of fostering economic ties, opening new avenues for growth and development, and strengthening ties between India and France in the spheres of industry and commerce, evident from France being the country partner for the third time in the TNGIM.

The event not only marked a symbolic union between France and the State of Tamil Nadu but also laid the foundation for enhanced cooperation, promising a brighter future through collaborative initiatives and partnerships. The ambiance buzzed with vibrant conversations as eager entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts flocked to explore the array of opportunities offered by Team France. The Pavilion acted as a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and opportunities, fostering an environment conducive to fruitful partnerships and cross-border collaborations.

The Arts Corner as part of the Team France pavilion featured "Midi Minuit," an augmented reality exhibition by 11 French artists, offering a unique blend of creativity and technology. Additionally, visitors were treated to a virtual reality experience providing insights into "Paris behind the scenes." Interactive displays and cutting-edge technology engaged visitors, offering a glimpse into the forefront of French innovation. Lastly, the pavilion celebrated culinary excellence by offering a taste of the country's traditional dishes and beverages, providing a sensorial journey through French culture.

Day 2 : day of the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024 (TNGIM), the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) organised the France Country Session, drawing a gathering of 120 delegates, including 15+ CCEs (The French Foreign Trade Advisors in India), who also actively participated in the French pavilion and engaged with the exhibitors.

Mr Yohann Samuel, Regional Director (South) at IFCCI, delivered the welcome remarks and set the context for the session ahead, followed by a special address by Mrs Lise Talbot Barré, Consul General of France in Pondicherry and Chennai.

Panel Discussion 1: Industry 5.0 - Transforming the Manufacturing Landscape

The first panel discussion delved into the transformative edge of Manufacturing businesses, requiring radical changes in response to the paradigm shift with the aim to provide a French perspective tailored to the Tamil Nadu context on the adoption of advanced technologies for supply chain optimization, outlining the necessary steps for companies to prepare for Industry 5.0.

Speakers on this panel:

Mr Satpal Singh, CEO, Numeric
Mr Santosh Ramakrishnan, Director, Precia Molen
Mr Florent Chaussade, Executive Director, Michelin
Mr Florent Stroebel, Executive Director, Cryolor

The discussion was expertly moderated by Mr Sukumar Bhasker, Partner, EY.

Panel discussion 2: Fireside Chat on Driving Diversity & Inclusion Strategies in the Workplace

The Fireside Chat provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the vital need for driving diversity and inclusion strategies within workplaces. Embracing diverse perspectives fosters innovation and creates a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Speakers on this fireside chat:

Mr Ramesh Sampath, Human Resources Director - India and ASEAN, Valeo India
Mrs Judy Manjlekar, Director – People & Culture, India/APAC, Technip Energies

The Fireside Chat was skilfully moderated by Mr Nirooban Rupathevan, HR Lead, Securities Services Operations, COE Lead: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Careers, BNP Paribas ISPL.

The France Country Session at TNGIM 2024 not only provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions but also demonstrated a dedication to progress in vital areas, including technology, diversity, and inclusion. It also highlighted the emphasis on fostering strong economic ties between France and India.

French Pavilion exhibitors at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024

As we look back at the successful organisation of the French Pavilion at TNGIM 2024, we would like to thank the 9 prominent French companies who showcased their prowess during the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024, including Air Liquide Medical Systems, Anywr India, Cryolor Asia Pacific, Clairefontaine, Numeric, Precia Molen India, Technip Energies, Valeo India, and UIMM/CODIFOR. Each exhibitor brought a unique set of expertise and offerings, contributing to the diverse array of industries represented at the event.

Anywr India: Anywr India, founded in 2012, has a footprint in 19 countries. Anywr is a global group specializes in Local & international recruitment, Consultancy Services, International professional mobility, and Training.

Air Liquide Medical Systems: In India, Air Liquide Medical Systems was formerly known as Electrocare Systems & Services. As an expert in ventilation and respiratory medical equipment, Air Liquide is committed to design, manufacture and sell innovative products and services in the fields of hospital and home ventilation.

UIMM/CODIFOR: With extensive experience in international employment-training projects, UIMM provides technical and corporate support.

Technip Energies: Technip Energies is a leading Engineering & Technology company for the energy transition, with leadership positions in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), hydrogen and ethylene as well as growing market positions in blue and green hydrogen, sustainable chemistry, and CO2 management.

Clairefontaine: Hobbycraft is at the forefront of an exciting and growing market leading in art, crafts, school, and office supplies serving consumers and businesses around the country.

Numeric: Since 1984, Numeric has been enabling its clients to optimize their business with top notch power solutions that promise seamless and clean power with controlled environmental footprints.

Precia Molen India: Precia Molen India (Formerly Nova Weigh) was started in 1995 as a joint venture between an Indian family and Nova weigh UK. In 2008 Nova weigh was acquired globally by Precia Molen France which was established in 1867 & is a world leader in Industrial Weighing solutions with 21 subsidiaries and 100+ agents across the globe.

Valeo India: Valeo, the technology company and partner to all automakers and new mobility players, is innovating to make mobility cleaner, safer and smarter. In India Valeo’s presence started 25 years ago and today it has more than 7000 employees including 3,700 engineers, 8 production sites, one global R&D centre with HQ in Chennai.

Cryolor Asia Pacific: World Leader in Manufacturing of Storage solutions for Liquefied gases like LIN, LOX and LAR Extensively used in Various industries catering to all global markets.

Special thanks to the partners of the French Pavilion at TNGIM 2024: