38. Recalling the commitments made in the Indo-French Joint Statement issued in April 2015 for closer economic engagement, the leaders noted with satisfaction, the involvement of French companies in several new and ongoing projects in India in keeping with the "Make in India” initiative. They equally highlighted the attractiveness of France for Indian investors, especially in terms of leveraging French technological expertise and competencies. Reaffirming their commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for enhancing bilateral trade and investment, the leaders: (i) Welcomed the convening of a dialogue on economic and financial issues at a higher level on cooperation in economy and finance. This framework will be the forum to discuss, on an annual basis, global and financial governance issues as well as bilateral economic and financial matters, to promote exchanges and cross investments between our two countries and address any hurdles between French and Indian businesses and industries; (ii) Underlined the importance of the dialogue on trade issues through the India-France Joint Commission, as well as their strong commitment to the European Union-India Broad Based Trade and Investment Agreement. France and India are committed to bring about a resumption of the negotiations as soon as possible; (iii) Welcomed the convening of the India-France CEO's Forum within a span of 9 months. The two leaders took positive note of the Action Taken Report and the new recommendations presented by the Co-Chairs of the CEO Forum in Chandigarh on 24 January. 39. Recognizing the central role of food safety regulations in the field of preventive health care and in increasing investments and the prospects for enhanced cooperation in joint risk assessment, research activities and exchange of technical knowledge in the field of food safety, the two Leaders welcomed the signing of a MoU on Cooperation between Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail (ANSES) of France in the field of food safety and standards. 40. Recognizing the shared commitment of India and France to cooperate in preventing off-shore tax evasion and the steps taken by both countries to strengthen the exchange of information in recent years, the two Leaders agreed to explore further avenues for joint co-operation, especially in capacity building and sharing of best practices, in line with G20 commitments. 41. Recognizing the important role of cooperation between States and Provinces of the two countries in fostering deeper bilateral economic engagement, the two Leaders welcomed the conclusion of a MoU on Cooperation in urban development between Telangana and the Bordeaux Metropole in September 2015 and the Investment Roadshow held by Government of Karnataka in Paris and Toulouse in December 2015 and encouraged more such initiatives. IV. People-to-people contacts, Education, Skill development, Science & Technology 42. The Leaders lauded the robust people-to-people and tourism contacts between India and France, as well as the wide-ranging cultural, educational and scientific exchanges between the two countries, underpinned by the presence of a vibrant Indian diaspora in France. In this context, the Leaders expressed satisfaction that the Volontariat International en Entreprises (VIE) Scheme, announced in April 2015 to facilitate internships and professional experience for students and young professionals in both 7/10