A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between France and the Madhya Pradesh government to strengthen cooperation in the areas of culture and tourism.
The MoU was signed by Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India; Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture; and Shri Akhilesh Verma, President of Alliance Française de Bhopal. The agreement will remain valid for three years and can be extended with mutual consent.
Key features of the MoU include the joint organisation of cultural events such as art festivals, music and dance performances, exhibitions, film screenings, culinary events, and other cultural programmes. A dedicated Indo-French cultural calendar will be prepared annually.
Tourism promotional materials of the state will be translated into French, and special initiatives will be undertaken to attract French tourists.
Officials and guides in the tourism sector will also receive training in French language and culture. This agreement is expected to boost the state's cultural strategy and provide a global platform to local artists, craftsmen, students, and cultural organisations, helping establish Madhya Pradesh's unique identity on the international stage.
The MoU is expected to lead to a significant increase in tourist arrivals from France and Europe.
MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will visit France next month.
Yadav said there were many potential areas for mutual cooperation such as industrial development, entrepreneurship, and promotion of traditional crafts. He said the MoU would bring the state closer to the vision of being the cultural capital of India and become a global hub for tourism and culture.
The French ambassador said the collaboration was in keeping with France’s focus on tourism, security, environment, and education. Besides further strengthening cultural ties between the two countries, it will also open new opportunities in art, education, and tourism.
