KARACHI, April 11: A high-powered trade delegation from France is arriving on Wednesday to enter into negotiations with various government departments and agencies for the development and investment in the areas of desalination, sewage treatment plants and mass transit system. During its two-day stay the 25-member trade delegation from French Business Confederation will first hold high-profile meetings in Islamabad and will reach Karachi on Thursday.

The delegation, headed by Vinci Construction Chairman Philippe Ratynski, will also meet City Nazim Naimatullah Khan because a French company — Sogelberg Ingenerie — which made first ever feasibility report on Karachi’s Mass Transit System is also included in the delegation.

Pakistan France Business Alliance President Shabir Ahmed briefing the newsmen at French Consulate’s Trade Office said that the French delegation would hold meetings with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, ministers, World Bank and Asian Development Bank representatives in Islamabad.

He said during its visit to Karachi the delegation would hold meetings FPCCI members for finding out ways and means for enhancing trade between the two countries.

He disclosed that the delegation members would also hold meetings with Karachi Port and Defence Housing Authority for desalination plants. Besides, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) is also expected to hold a meeting with the French team in connection with sewage treatment plants and desalination plants, he added.

The French trade mission comprises heavy machinery, aviation and pharmaceutical manufacturers, heavy construction, aviation, electronics, water technology and desalination, power, transport, marine, and telecommunication.