Alstom’s nuclear-equipment business wouldn’t leave France, a senior General Electric Co. executive said Saturday in an attempt to assuage government concerns that GE’s $17 billion bid for most of the French firm will drain the country of sensitive technology and jobs, according to WSJ.

In a radio interview, GE’s top executive in France, Clara Gaymard, tried to blunt the sharp criticism France’s government has leveled at the American firm’s acquisition plans. Paris has deemed Alstom’s power-equipment operation—which represents three quarters of company revenue—as “strategic” to France while branding GE’s plans to buy it as “unacceptable.”

“We will answer to the government’s legitimate demands to maintain the nuclear business in France and to make sure the intellectual property remains in French hands,” Ms. Gaymard told France Info.

French Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg has been a vocal critic of the GE bid, wielding a newly adopted French decree that allows him to block foreign acquisitions of strategic French firms. He has also persuaded GE rival Siemens to consider making its own offer for Alstom’s power-engineering businesses.

Among the minister’s demands are that jobs and decision-making centers stay in France. He has also warned that France won’t let production of Alstom’s nuclear equipment, which runs the country’s world-renowned nuclear reactors, move outside of the country.

Any deal, Mr. Montebourg insists, should also include a plan to reinforce Alstom’s remaining rail division. If Alstom accepts GE’s offer, the French firm will be left with a much smaller business, which manufactures the iconic French TGV bullet train and other rolling stock.

Ms Gaymard said GE is considering ways to help Alstom boost its train business by supporting its rail-track signaling business, though she didn’t provide any details. She said discussions between the French government and GE remain constructive.

Earlier last week, GE extended a deadline to complete the acquisition until June 23 at the request of the French government.

The extension gives Siemens more time to formulate an offer, Ms Gaymard said. If Alstom approves GE’s bid, Siemens would still have time to make an offer, she added, noting that GE and Alstom would have to negotiate with unions in a process that could take several weeks.

Siemens hasn’t formally submitted a bid for Alstom, but earlier on Thursday, the company gave the latest hint that it was leaning toward making an offer as soon as next week.