Ambassador-designate Thierry Mathou undertakes first trip to Chennai

Chennai, 6-8 October 2023

The Ambassador-designate of France to India, Mr Thierry Mathou paid his first visit to Chennai from 6th to 8th October 2023 to foster greater economic and people-to-people ties between France and the vibrant state of Tamil Nadu.

Ambassador-designate Mathou sought to further boost business ties between France and Tamil Nadu, in a context where many French companies have brought their know-how and established state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facilities in the State. Mr Mathou met some of these French majors that drive economic ties between the southern state and France. He met the visiting Executive Committee members of Saint Gobain, a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction with facilities in Chennai. This event took place in the presence of Thiru Thangam Thenarasu, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, and Dr T.R.B. Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce. Mr Mathou also toured the Technology and Business Centre of French multinational automobile manufacturer Renault Nissan, and experienced the French technology used at AAG Centre for Aviation Training Private Limited.

On the educational and cultural front, Mr Mathou presided over the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Alliance française of Madras in the presence of the Hon’ble Mayor of Chennai, Ms Priya Ranjan. He visited the École Franco-Indienne Sishya (EFIS), where he was received by Principal Omana Thomas, and Chairman Salim Thomas, and interact with students.

In line with France’s goal for welcoming 20,000 Indian students by 2025 and 30 000 by 2030, Mr Mathou inaugurated the Chennai leg of the Choose France Tour in the presence of the Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Dr K. Ponmudy. The event also witnessed the signing ceremony for 7 MoUs between French and Indian Institutions. The Choose France education fair enables Indian students to meet representatives of leading French institutes and universities to help them fulfil their higher education dreams in France.

In the course of this official trip, Mr Mathou also visit the National Institute of Ocean Technology, where France has recently seconded an expert in the framework of the Indo-French roadmap on blue economy and ocean governance adopted in 2022. In consonance with France and India’s joint commitment to protecting littorals and fighting against plastic pollution, Mr Mathou participated in the Pattinapakkam beach cleaning drive, an initiative of the French clean power company Group Legrand India.