Karnataka Minister Leads Investment Push in France, Netherlands
Karnataka's industries minister leads a delegation to France and the Netherlands to attract investment across pharma, aerospace, semiconductors and other sectors.
A high-level delegation from Karnataka, led by Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil, departed for Europe on Sunday to court investors in France and the Netherlands. The five-day visit, running from September 7 to 11, is part of the state's ongoing efforts to attract manufacturing and technology investments.
The delegation includes senior officials such as Industries Department Principal Secretary S. Selvakumar, Commissioner Khushboo Goel, KIADB CEO Govind Reddy, and Chief Minister's Deputy Secretary R. Yathish.
In France, the team will meet companies across pharmaceuticals (Roquette, LFB Group, bioMerieux), aerospace and defence (Hutchinson, Safran, Thales, LISI Aerospace, GICAT), automotive (Somfy), precision engineering (Mecachrome), dairy (Savencia), and materials (Arkema).
Moving to the Netherlands on September 10-11, the delegation will engage with Nexperia (semiconductors), Royal De Hues (animal nutrition), Royal Boskalis, Royal Swinkels (breweries), and Perfetti Van Melle (chocolates).
Minister Patil emphasised the need for proactive outreach, noting that companies may otherwise choose competing states. He described the trip as a continuation of a three-year initiative involving roadshows and investor discussions across countries and Indian states.
The delegation will highlight Karnataka's new industrial policy focused on manufacturing and exports, single-window clearance services, incentives, and infrastructure including land, water, power and airports. The Industrial Facilitation Act, along with the state's energy and electric vehicle policies, will also be showcased.