French enterprises have set sights on India’s Northeast as the next major investment destination, with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) hosting its first-ever Indo-French Investment Conference in Guwahati. The event resulted in the signing of five Letters of Intent (LOIs) between French companies and regional authorities, signalling long-term industrial commitments and job creation prospects in the region by 2030.
The conclave,organised in partnership with the Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and supported by governments of Northeastern states, witnessed participation from over 100 senior delegates, including diplomats, policymakers, industry leaders and French Foreign Trade Advisors. Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, Assam Industries Minister Bimal Borah and DoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar were present. CEOs from 20 French companies including DassaultSystèmes, POMA, Cooperl, Axens Global Engineering and Systra engaged in B2G meetings focused on investments across energy, infrastructure, defence, communications, ITeS, food processing, agriculture and higher education.
Guwahati’s business community has welcomed the development, seeing it as a boost for industrial capacity, technology transfer and skilled employment in Assam. Local stakeholders expect increased capital inflow to enhance supply chains, export potential and startup-industry linkages in sectors like agri-processing, textiles and engineering.
Terming the Northeast a “threshold of transformative growth,” Scindia said the Indo-French collaboration reflects a shared agenda of innovation and inclusion. Ambassador Mathou described the region as rich in resources and talent, while IFCCI DG Payal S. Kanwar called the conclave a milestone in deepening state-level economic ties.
