Lucknow, Aug 20 (KNN) The Uttar Pradesh (UP) has geared up to grab maximum opportunities created by the COVID-19 pandemic as the state MSME department and the Indian Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, have agreed to set up a working group to explore the possibility of joining hands in sectors like defence/aerospace, textile, footwear and skill development.

After interacting with Jawed Ashraf via video conference on Wednesday, the state MSME minister Sidharth Nath Singh, said that he had highlighted the initiatives taken by the state government in easing regulations to promote investments.

He also said the pandemic had provided the state an opportunity to relocate disrupted supply chains.

The Minister further claimed that there is a huge opportunity to increase the percentage potential of exports from India and UP to France.

''A large land parcel has been earmarked for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) near the Jewar Airport in Greater Noida which can provide investment opportunities to French companies," he added.

"UP has excellent policies and incentives, and this is a great opportunity to promote investments in the state and exports out of the state to various countries," said Additional Chief Secretary (MSME and Export Promotion) Navneet Sehgal. 

Lauding the state's connectivity, investment policies and upcoming infrastructure, Sehgal claimed that it would make it an attractive investment hub.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ambassador to France appreciated the state for changing its image in recent years and said UP was the first state to approach France for promotion of investments and exports.

''France is the gateway to the European Union market and can be an attractive opportunity for Uttar Pradesh," the minister added.