French biz delegation on urban infrastructure development in town

Friday, 7 March 2014 07:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Representatives from a 10-member business-delegation visited Colombo on 4 and 5 March. This business delegation comprised of French companies in the field of urban infrastructure, especially transport. French companies present in India and Singapore were also represented during this mission. Participating French companies included Alstom

Transport, Bouygues Batiment International, Dassault Systemes, DTP Terrassement, Egis International, Signes-Paysages, Systra, Veolia Transport RATP, Vinci Concession and Unibridge. The main area of interest for the business-delegation was the modernisation of urban mass transport systems. The renovation/electrification of the urban rail network as well as improving road access was also discussed with the local authorities. During most discussions, financing under public-private partnerships was considered the best option and the participating French companies took note of the investment concepts put forward by their counterparts. France has experienced a surge in urban public transport since the 1970s. First with the creation of metro lines in the largest cities, then with the launch of many modern tram networks in the Paris region and in medium-sized cities, and, more recently, with the creation of rapid transit bus lanes when heavy modes were not justified. During their visit, the business delegation held meetings with the Mayor and the Municipal Commissioner of Colombo, with the Secretary to the Ministry of Highways, Ports and Shipping, with the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and with the Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage. This delegation was led by Jean-Paul Monchau, Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.