Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain paid a visit to Hazaribagh and toured important developmental landmarks of the town. MP Jayant Sinha welcomed the Ambassador and his team with a warm welcome note introducing them to the vibrant cultural and social landscape of Jharkhand and also to the development that took place in the past two decades.
After a brief cultural programme at the residence of MP Jayant Sinha followed by audience interaction, Lenain went on to visit the food processing factory (the largest one in Jharkhand), Pakri-barwadih, Patratu thermal plant and Sheikh Bhikhari Medical college.
As part of his interaction with the media and students of St. Xavier’s School, he touched upon several important issues concerning France and India. On the collaboration between India and France for the upcoming Climate Conference (COP 28), Lenain remarked that India and France are leading the fight against climate change together globally since 2015.
He further said that both the countries have achieved groundbreaking results in this area by formation of International Solar Alliance in 2015 which functions as a successful alliance of 123 countries to foster renewable energy in the sunshine countries.
He additionally stated that Hazaribagh and the state of Jharkhand is a pivotal node in the fight against climate change globally and thus it is necessary to explore these regions on how it can contribute more to the cause.
The Ambassador also highlighted the robust relations of India and France in terms of trade and business with many French IT and consulting companies such as Capgemini opening up in India and providing employment to a large chunk of the population.
He recognized the need of a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries which would expedite and improve the trade situation between India and France through reduction of trade barriers.
Lenain was presented with a token of appreciation consisting of Sohrai paintings and artwork done by the local artisans of Hazaribagh. MP Jayant Sinha beautifully expressed the connection between India and France in terms of art and said that local art such as Sohrai should also find its way on the global platform through collaborations with luxury and international brands of France.
Amongst the eminent guests Dr.Lakshmikant Vajpayee was also present in the programme. He said that this programme hosted important and intellectual discussions through the questions posed at Lenain and thanked the chief guest for visiting Hazaribagh and Jharkhand. The programme also witnessed the presence of DDC Hazaribag Prerna Dixit, MLA Jai Prakash Bhai Patel, district president Ashok Yadav, Bhaiya Abhimanyu Prasad, Vivekanand Singh, Manjeet singh and Harish Srivastava.
