Tremendous potential for cooperation exists between India and Germany, especially in the areas of infrastructure, environment and dual education. This was the underlying theme of the deliberations that took place, between Indian and German CEO’s, here today, on the occasion of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s two-day visit to India.
On the occasion of the visit of Chancellor Merkel, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) and other industry association organised a CEO’s Roundtable "Germany and India 2011-12, Infinite Opportunities", here today.
A 23 member strong CEO’s delegation, is accompanying Chancellor Merkel to India.
B Muthuraman, President, CII and Vice Chairman, TATA Steel Ltd, said India and Germany are important partners on the international stage. He said, more and more Indian companies are acquiring high-quality German technology to meet their growing needs. Germany is one of the most preferred investment destinations for Indian companies, especially in automotives, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, he added.
Muthuraman suggested greater German investments into India, increased technology exchange and co-operation in consultancy and advisory services as the potential areas for deepening bilateral economic engagement between the two countries. He also expressed hope that the private sector deliberations will provide impetus to enhance Indo-German engagement to its full potential. He also complimented Chancellor Merkel for her foresight in declaring German Year in India, during her visit.
Prof. Hans-Peter Keitel, President, BDI who moderated the session said India and Germany are leading economies in their regions and Germany is a top global exporter. Both countries have high mutual respect based upon historical cultural understanding and shared interests. He said, Germany can help India in satisfying its infrastructure needs. He also called for increased technology and research partnerships between Indian and German companies in sectors such as climate change, energy efficiency etc. On dual education he said, there exists huge potential for mid-sized companies in Germany to invest in vocational training in India.
Speaking on the potential for cooperation in the infrastructure sector, the CEO’s were unanimous in their view that there is a huge scope of learning for India, from the cities in Germany. Mr. A M Naik, Chairman and Managing Director, L&T Ltd, felt that building, upgrading and managing city infrastructure is one of the biggest challenge for the country and offers huge opportunity for German companies to invest.
On the dual education, Mr. Surinder Kapur, Chairman, Sona Koto Steering Systems Ltd, said the target of 25% of the GDP for the manufacturing sector in India can only be achieved by focusing on skills development. He said, the poor quality of education in India is posing as a challenge for Indian companies in expanding globally, and also in improving efficiency. Therefore there is a huge opportunity for German companies to help in skill development in India. Mr. Arun Bharat Ram, Past President, CII and Chairman SRF Ltd, said that there is a shortage of qualified trainers in India and Germany can play a role in sending qualified trainers into India who can train Indian trainers.
On environment and sustainable development, CEO’s were of the view that Indian and German companies can collaborate with each other for technology development. They also felt German companies can invest in India in the Wind energy sector, which will also help them to earn Carbon credits. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is already doing a project with Germany for environment sustainability in Indian companies. As part of the project the focus is on capacity building with Indian companies by creating a network of experts who can work on issues such as climate change, stakeholder engagement. The project also enables business to network with other emerging economies to share best practices.
Germany is India’s largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade estimated to be 15.5 billion euros. Germany has invested 2.7 billion euros in India. The two sides set target of scaling up trade to 20 billion euros by 2012 as India sought more German investment in areas of high-technology and infrastructure.
On the occasion of the visit of Chancellor Merkel, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) and other industry association organised a CEO’s Roundtable "Germany and India 2011-12, Infinite Opportunities", here today.
A 23 member strong CEO’s delegation, is accompanying Chancellor Merkel to India.
B Muthuraman, President, CII and Vice Chairman, TATA Steel Ltd, said India and Germany are important partners on the international stage. He said, more and more Indian companies are acquiring high-quality German technology to meet their growing needs. Germany is one of the most preferred investment destinations for Indian companies, especially in automotives, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, he added.
Muthuraman suggested greater German investments into India, increased technology exchange and co-operation in consultancy and advisory services as the potential areas for deepening bilateral economic engagement between the two countries. He also expressed hope that the private sector deliberations will provide impetus to enhance Indo-German engagement to its full potential. He also complimented Chancellor Merkel for her foresight in declaring German Year in India, during her visit.
Prof. Hans-Peter Keitel, President, BDI who moderated the session said India and Germany are leading economies in their regions and Germany is a top global exporter. Both countries have high mutual respect based upon historical cultural understanding and shared interests. He said, Germany can help India in satisfying its infrastructure needs. He also called for increased technology and research partnerships between Indian and German companies in sectors such as climate change, energy efficiency etc. On dual education he said, there exists huge potential for mid-sized companies in Germany to invest in vocational training in India.
Speaking on the potential for cooperation in the infrastructure sector, the CEO’s were unanimous in their view that there is a huge scope of learning for India, from the cities in Germany. Mr. A M Naik, Chairman and Managing Director, L&T Ltd, felt that building, upgrading and managing city infrastructure is one of the biggest challenge for the country and offers huge opportunity for German companies to invest.
On the dual education, Mr. Surinder Kapur, Chairman, Sona Koto Steering Systems Ltd, said the target of 25% of the GDP for the manufacturing sector in India can only be achieved by focusing on skills development. He said, the poor quality of education in India is posing as a challenge for Indian companies in expanding globally, and also in improving efficiency. Therefore there is a huge opportunity for German companies to help in skill development in India. Mr. Arun Bharat Ram, Past President, CII and Chairman SRF Ltd, said that there is a shortage of qualified trainers in India and Germany can play a role in sending qualified trainers into India who can train Indian trainers.
On environment and sustainable development, CEO’s were of the view that Indian and German companies can collaborate with each other for technology development. They also felt German companies can invest in India in the Wind energy sector, which will also help them to earn Carbon credits. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is already doing a project with Germany for environment sustainability in Indian companies. As part of the project the focus is on capacity building with Indian companies by creating a network of experts who can work on issues such as climate change, stakeholder engagement. The project also enables business to network with other emerging economies to share best practices.
Germany is India’s largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade estimated to be 15.5 billion euros. Germany has invested 2.7 billion euros in India. The two sides set target of scaling up trade to 20 billion euros by 2012 as India sought more German investment in areas of high-technology and infrastructure.
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