IMEC is a long term project built on a shared vision of diversifying supply chains: Gérard Mestrallet

The IMEC corridor is a long-term project built on a shared vision of diversifying supply chains between three regions while creating new mutually beneficial interdependencies, and generating growth and socio-economic development along its route. France and India's cooperation on IMEC is rooted in their strong strategic partnership. This bilateral dialogue feeds directly into the project's strategic vision, French Special Envoy on IMEC Gérard Mestrallet told ET's Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury during his recent India visit.

What is the French view on IMEC amid volatility in West Asia?

The IMEC corridor is a long-term project built on a shared vision of diversifying supply chains between three regions while creating new mutually beneficial interdependencies, and generating growth and socio-economic development along its route.

My two main priorities have been to structure collective governance among IMEC MoU signatories, and launch diagnostic and feasibility studies - an essential step to assess investment needs. Following this preliminary phase, a precise development plan will be defined, with the private sector playing a central role. Many infrastructure and investment projects already exist along the IMEC route. The challenge is to accelerate capacity development or build the missing links, particularly for the rail segment in the Middle East.

What are the distinct advantages of the Port of Marseille as an entry point for IMEC?

The port of Marseille is already a multidimensional connectivity hub and a gateway to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The port of Marseille Fos is now set to become one of the main entry and exit points for IMEC in Europe and the Mediterranean. With that being said, the IMEC concept does not exclude the possibility of there being several interconnection points in the regions served.

Marseille Fos stands out as a triple hub: logistics and industry, shipping, and digital services. Marseille is already at the crossroads of several European corridors, forming part of two trans-European transport networks and the H2med network via the BarMar link.

Further, Marseille is the sixth largest digital hub in the world. By 2027, the city will be connected to 54 countries via 16 submarine cable networks, with six cables scheduled to become operational between 2025 and 2027.

In terms of energy, Marseille Fos port has major ambitions in the carbon-free hydrogen sector. It is also home to the headquarters of CMA CGM, a global maritime leader, which is also investing in one of the Mundra Port terminals.

How is France collaborating with India to implement IMEC?

France and India's cooperation on IMEC is rooted in their strong strategic partnership. This bilateral dialogue feeds directly into the project's strategic vision. While IMEC requires consultation between all signatory countries, some may naturally be more proactive than others. I believe that this is an ambition shared by India and France - as illustrated by France organizing the inaugural IMEC Sherpas meeting in May 2025, and India convening the first IMEC Steering Committee meeting in early August in New Delhi. The year 2026, designated as the India-France Year of Innovation, will offer further opportunities to advance this approach and explore solutions to key challenges in digital connectivity, which is one of the pillars of IMEC alongside logistics and energy connectivity.