Bangalore: Top CEOs of French companies on February 6 sought acceleration of reforms and better infrastructure in India even as the executives from both nations said they could work together in several sectors to mutual advantage.

While appreciating the opening of the Indian market, the French industry sought confirmation and acceleration of reforms, at a meeting of CEOs from India and France held on the occasion of French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin's visit to Bangalore.

Information Technology, food processing, manufacturing sector and infrastructure, including power, were among the key areas identified by Indian CEOs for French investment in India.

Planning Commission Member N K Singh said India had made a "serious start" on privatisation only 18 months ago and added it would be a "major vehicle" for foreign investment. India had made a "credible start" to attract foreign investment.

He said India was changing apparatus, rules and regulations to promote foreign investment.

India, Singh said, had registered a growth rate of about six per cent and it would reach eight per cent in the next couple of years.

"Privatisation is on course. It never turned back", India Development Foundation Director Subhashish Gangopadhyay said. "It is slow but steady", he assured the French executives.

Francois Loos, Delegate Minister, Trade and Commerce, France, said the reform process in India has powered growth while strong macro economic management had resulted in a robust and strong India.

Software major Infosys' Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy, Confederation of Indian Industry president Ashok Soota, M V Kotwal, Executive Vice-president, Larsen and Toubro, Brittania Industries Managing Director and CEO Sunil Alagh, Infosys Chief Operating Officer S Gopalakrishnan were present.

PTI