New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) Union Finance Minister and Minister for Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday began an official visit to France, where she is scheduled to hold a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the India-France strategic partnership, deepening economic cooperation and promoting investment, technology collaboration and innovation. A key highlight of the visit will be the India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) in Aix-en-Provence, which FM Sitharaman will co-chair with France's Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Energy Sovereignty, Roland Lescure.

The dialogue will focus on identifying new areas of bilateral cooperation across sectors and further expanding economic ties between the two countries. During her visit, the finance minister will also hold one-on-one meetings with select global chief executive officers and participate in a roundtable discussion with leading business executives. The interactions are expected to showcase India's strong macroeconomic fundamentals, ongoing structural reforms, expanding investment opportunities and long-term growth prospects.

FM Sitharaman will participate in a panel discussion titled "How to Promote the Growth of a New Middle Class" at Les Rencontres Economiques d'Aix-en-Provence, one of Europe's premier annual forums on global economic and public policy issues. Organised by Le Cercle des economistes, the event brings together heads of government, ministers, central bankers, business leaders, economists, academics and representatives of international organisations to deliberate on pressing global economic challenges.

As part of her itinerary, the finance minister will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project at Cadarache, one of the world's largest international collaborations on nuclear fusion energy involving more than 30 partner countries, including India and France.

FM Sitharaman is also scheduled to visit Campus Cyber, France's national hub for cybersecurity innovation, research and skill development. The visit is expected to facilitate the exchange of best practices and experiences in strengthening cyber resilience and promoting innovation in the digital economy. FM Sitharaman will also meet Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) Region, to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation in investment, innovation, clean energy, technology and regional economic partnerships.

--IANS