Skill development high on agenda in Indo-German cooperation

 The Dollar Business Bureau India looks forward for the cooperation of Germany in its new journey of ‘Make in India’, for economic development and employment. This was the statement of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to media, during a joint press statement with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, at Berlin on Tuesday. Addressing the media, Narendra Modi said that the Government of India will establish a mechanism for the German companies to facilitate their businesses and investments in India. Referring to the Make in India’s goal towards skill development in the country, the Prime Minister expressed India’s willingness to pursue a skill development programme with Germany by strengthening industry involvement in skill development. Similarly, we intend to further strengthen our close cooperation in the areas of science, technology and education, among other sectors, he added. India has also sought Germany’s cooperation in urban planning and infrastructure in building smart cities, setting up of peer-peer network of Municipalities for direct collaboration, besides the assistance in the area of affordable housing. Reiterating India’s intention to add 175 Giga Watts of renewable energy during the next seven years, Narendra Modi also sought Germany’s cooperation for the manufacturing of equipment for clean and renewable energy in India. Besides benefiting the German companies, the development of India as a manufacturing hub and expansion of Indian infrastructure will also have trade benefits. The Prime Minister further stated that the India-EU negotiations on a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement have remained stalled for two years. In this context, he informed that he had asked the German Chancellor to quickly start India-EU trade negotiations and conclude a balanced, mutually beneficial agreement at the earliest. Meanwhile, a statement from the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) said, “India has got good potential, but the ease of doing has to be improved in India.” Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General of the Chamber, hailed Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign and said German companies are very optimistic about India. India needs manufacturing and the German companies are probably the best in manufacturing, so it’s a win-win situation, he added.    

This article was published on April 15, 2015 – 8.12 pm IST.