Paris [France], June 18 (ANI): Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM, Rodolphe Saade, on Thursday expressed enthusiasm about expanding the supply chain further in India following a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris.
Meeting Highlights
Saade, who leads the world's third-largest carrier headquartered in Marseille, described the meeting as a "great honour" and stated that discussions revolved around developing various initiatives in India, particularly expansion in maritime shipping.
"It's a great honour to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss our development in India. We have been serving this market for many years, and we are looking forward to expanding further. We are developing many initiatives, of which the building of 1700 TEU container in a shipyard in India. We look forward to not only building those ships but eventually building even more," Saade told ANI.
Official Statements
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the duo discussed bolstering cooperation in maritime shipping. He noted that PM Modi highlighted the Group's growing presence, while Saade emphasized plans to expand work with India, including logistics and supply chain innovation.
"PM @narendramodi met Mr Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in maritime shipping, logistics and global supply chains. PM noted the Group's strong and growing presence in India. Mr Saade highlighted @cmacgm's plans for India, including ongoing investments, expansion plans and initiatives that are leading to skill development, shipbuilding, expansion in logistics and innovation in supply chain," Jaiswal wrote on X.
About CMA CGM Group
The CMA CGM Group is a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions. As the world's third largest shipping company, it serves more than 420 ports across five continents with a fleet of over 650 vessels.
Other Key Meetings
Earlier in the day, PM Modi also held meetings with Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain, and Martin Sion, CEO of Alstom.
With Bazin, discussions focused on opportunities in the materials and construction sector, with particular emphasis on sustainability. "PM noted Saint-Gobain's strong presence and investments in India, which are creating opportunities for Indian youth. Mr Bazin shared Saint-Gobain's plans for further investments and expansion in India," Jaiswal said.
Discussions with Sion focused on opportunities in mobility and railway modernisation. "PM noted Alstom's significant investments and manufacturing presence in India, which are contributing to job creation and the growth of India's rail sector. Sion shared Alstom's plans for further expansion and investments in India," Jaiswal added.
AI Collaboration
The Prime Minister also interacted with Mistral AI Co-Founder and CEO Arthur Mensch on artificial intelligence, innovation and responsible AI governance. "PM highlighted the opportunities in India's growing AI ecosystem. Mr Arthur Mensch expressed Mistral AI's strong interest in collaborating with India and partnering with Indian companies to drive innovation and expand AI capabilities," Jaiswal stated.
The meetings with leading French business leaders in Paris are part of efforts to deepen India-France economic and industrial cooperation.
