Nanotechnology -- and semiconductors in general -- is one of the economic drivers the French government is targeting with biotechnology, mirroring the key sectors of the Taiwanese government's "Two Trillion, Two Star" (兩兆雙星) investment plan for the next 10 years.
"The targets of France are the same as Taiwan," Gaymard said.
In the field of biotechnology, a genetic engineering facility called Genopole in Evry, south of Paris, signed a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Phalanx Biotech Group Inc last July to look into DNA chips.
"Taiwan is already co-operating with France in research and development and we are sure any spin-offs will also co-operate," Grignon said. "We are confident something will come of this agreement this year."
Gaymard scheduled meetings with other local biotech companies yesterday. She did not reveal names as no agreements have been signed yet, but said discussions were ongoing in the areas of pharmaceuticals, agriculture and medical research.
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