Ambassador hosts Indo-French Business Awards & IN2FRANCE event
Launching the event, H.E. Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India, said: I am delighted to unveil the first edition of the Indo-French Business Awards 2018 and the IN2FRANCE brand.
New Delhi, 11 October 2018
H.E. Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India today launched the maiden edition of the Indo-French Business (IFB) Awards and the IN2France event at the Residence of France. Co-organised by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) and Business France, the French Trade and Investment Commission in India, the occasion brought together top officials and delegates from the Indo-French business community.
The IFB Awards have been instituted to create a platform to honour the outstanding accomplishments of Indian and French companies based out of India, while IN2FRANCE will promote France as an attractive investment destination for Indian companies. The highly successful evening, attended by eminent personalities from both countries, also saw the felicitation of young and high-performing French professionals through the VIE Awards ceremony.
The 2018 Indo-French Business Award winners were chosen by special jury members. Celebrating the best from the business world, the whole fraternity came together to raise a toast to remarkable achievements in the industry.
2018 Indo-French Business awardees:
- Best SME of the Year: Technique Solaire
- Best Entrepreneur of the Year: Suzette Gourmet Pvt. Ltd.
- Best Indo-French Cooperation:
Safran India Pvt. Ltd.
Alstom Transport India Ltd. - Most Innovative Product/Service of the Year: Elior India Catering LLP
- Best French Group in India: Schneider Electric India Pvt. Ltd.
- Special Felicitation: Yes Bank
- Jury’s Special Award: Mr Kazem Samandari, Founding Chairman - L’Opéra
VIE Award Winners:
- Ms Mariette HALOUZE of Keolis, Hyderabad, winner of “Grand Prix du Jury”, awarded for the best dossier for overall excellence
- Mr Louis HANCQUART of Lyra Networks, Mumbai, winner of "VIE Prix for Creativity", awarded for bringing innovation to his role
- Ms Aurélie GILLET of Peech India, Bengaluru, winner of "VIE Integration Award" awarded for assimilation
Launching the event, H.E. Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India, said: “I am delighted to unveil the first edition of the Indo-French Business Awards 2018 and the IN2FRANCE brand. France provides excellent opportunities to Indian companies for business as well as their establishment in the country. Placed at the heart of Europe, France is a gateway for access not only to the continental market but also all the French-speaking African countries. 150 Indian companies are already operating out of France, employing 7000 persons, and we wish to welcome many more. So, choose France!”
Payal S Kanwar, Secretary General - Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “French companies are doing phenomenally well in India and we see a growing interest of new companies wanting to set base in the country. The Indo-French Business Awards symbolise the celebration of their achievements in India.”
Sophie Clavelier, Director - Business France for South Asia, said: “I believe such events as this one today will spark interest among Indian investors to choose France as their next destination”.
Alain Sophr, Managing Director for India South Asia - Alstom, said: "It is a matter of prestige for us to receive this honour from IFCCI in the company of our meritorious peers. India and France have an incomparable alliance that we are happy to represent through our work in India. We strive to continue bringing the best of both countries together. I extend my regards to honourable Ambassador Ziegler for his encouragement and support."