French show interest in local transport sector
- Details
- Created On Saturday, 08 March 2014 09:37
- Category: General
A French business delegation was in Sri Lanka last week to hold discussions on improving Sri Lanka's transport sector.
A press communiqué from the French Embassy said: "A 10-member business delegation visited Colombo on 4 and 5 March. The delegation comprised representatives of French companies in the field of urban infrastructure, especially transport.
French companies operating in India and Singapore were also represented. 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 modernization of urban mass transport systems. The renovation and 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, the Municipal Commissioner of Colombo, the Secretary to the Ministry of Highways, Ports and Shipping, the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and the Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage .
The delegation was led by Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Jean-Paul Monchau. "
A press communiqué from the French Embassy said: "A 10-member business delegation visited Colombo on 4 and 5 March. The delegation comprised representatives of French companies in the field of urban infrastructure, especially transport.
French companies operating in India and Singapore were also represented. 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 modernization of urban mass transport systems. The renovation and 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, the Municipal Commissioner of Colombo, the Secretary to the Ministry of Highways, Ports and Shipping, the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and the Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage .
The delegation was led by Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Jean-Paul Monchau. "
