Extending the purview of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, India and France signed a Letter of Intent in New Delhi on Monday, to encourage business and trade in the field of food processing and agriculture. Union Minister for Food Processing Industry Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai and the French Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Mr. Bruno Le Maire signed the document on behalf of the respective governments. The French Agriculture Minister accompanying President Sarkozy in his current India visit said on this occasion that France intends to go further and faster in their partnership with India in the field of bilateral trade and cooperation. Mr Subodh Kant Sahai expressed optimism saying India will benefit from the advanced technological know-how and a long standing experience of France in the field of food and agriculture. Following the Letter of Intent, an MOU was also signed between the Soufflet Group of France and the Malt Company of India Pvt. Ltd. to set up a joint venture for a global Malting Business.