Partha Roy, Kolkata: A Special Session on ‘Emerging Prospects of Trade and Investments between Germany and India’ was organized by Bharat Chamber of Commerce on 25th January, 2024 in Kolkata.
Mrs. Barbara Voss, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kolkata addressed special session. Mr. Tom Reiner, Regional Director, Indo German Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata was also present as a Guest Speaker.
Consul General Ms. Voss observed that around 2000 German companies are operating in India and are providing employment to about 4 lac people. Ms. Voss mentioned currently, Germany is facing a shortage of skilled workers and therefore is looking forward to employ skilled labourers from India who would intend to stay in Germany for a prolonged period. She added after finishing one’s education one get 18 months to find a job but people find it within 6 weeks.
Consul General said “Germany intends to collaborate with India and ensure attaining the SDGs as outlined by the UN. We need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and ensure that global temperature is brought down by at least 1.5° in the near future” Mr. Reiner mentioned during his presentation Indo-German Chamber of Commerce provides a host of handholding services to both Indian as well as German companies willing to do business in India & in Germany.
In this context, he informed that their “Senior Expert Services” is a flagship service where experienced and retired industry veterans from Germany are engaged as trainers and consultants in Indian companies with little to no financial obligations. In addition to this, there are other services available with the bilateral Chamber for example upskilling of employees.
During Welcome Address, Mr. N. G. Khaitan, President of Bharat Chamber of Commerce observed that in terms of technological cooperation, Germany has been a reliable and steadfast supplier of high technology to India over recent years. The country has been a valuable partner in India’s growth story and has been involved in the socio-economic transformation of our country. Shri Khaitan added “In the context of defence cooperation, Germany has been providing valuable technical support to India since the initial phase of building the country’s defence warfare which has evolved with major OEMs operating in India”.
While delivering vote of thanks, Shri Naresh Pachisia Senior Vice President of Bharat Chamber of Commerce expressed optimism that Economic & Trade Cooperation between India & Germany will attain new heights in time ahead.