India-Germany has many competitive advantages and we should work to grow it further; H.E. Mrs. Mukta D Tomar, Ambassador, Embassy of India, Berlin, Germany

New Delhi: To understand the Challenges and Opportunities in Business and Trade promotion between India and Germany, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Partnership with India Office of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) hosted an interactive session on “India – Germany Business Promotion, Challenges, and Opportunities – Post-COVID 19” with H.E. Mrs. Mukta D Tomar, Ambassador, Embassy of India, Berlin, Germany and H.E. Mr. Mark Hauptmann, Member of The German Parliament.

H.E. Mrs. Mukta D Tomar, Ambassador, Embassy of India, Berlin, Germany deliberated about the measures taken by the Government of India and Germany which led to the slowdown of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. She informed about the measures are taken by the Government of Germany to help businesses such as short-term pay, loans for business, monetarisms, equity, and other new measures have helped the businesses to stabilize. She appreciated the measures taken by the Government of India in making India a self-reliant country and the five pillars which are essential to run industries and economy of India.

Her Excellency appraised the relationship between India and Germany which is multi-facet in areas ranging from the environment to Artificial Intelligence to energy and others. She said that once the COVID-19 pandemic is passed, India and Germany can look forward to bilateral cooperation and more trade and partnerships.

We are doing business for long it is the right time for the Indian industries to build on its competitive advantage as Germany is open to Business with India, said H.E. Mrs. Mukta D Tomar.

H.E. Mr. Mark Hauptmann, Member of The German Parliament, talked about the growing trade partnership between India and Germany. He suggested five trends that can strengthen the partnership between India and Germany which are Supply Chain Management; Value Partnerships; Globalization; Digitalization and IRD (Innovation, research, and Development).

Talking about the combating the spread of COVID-19, H.E. Mr. Mark Hauptmann deliberated that active measuring like early testing, providing economic packages and society collation were the few steps that helped Germany to fight through the pandemic COVID-19. He also appreciated the steps taken by the Government of India in controlling the spread of the pandemic.

Mr. Peter Rimmele, Resident Representative to India of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) highlighted the Indo-German trade relations stating that India is a trustworthy partner for Germany. During the pandemic, the Government of both countries is working hard towards recovering the economy.

The other esteemed delegates who deliberated in the webinar where Mr. Bernhard Steinrücke, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, Deutsch-Indische Handelskammer and Mr. Rajesh Nath, Managing Director, German Engineering Federation (VDMA) India.

Dr. D K Aggarwal, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his presidential address deliberated about the measures taken by the Government to combat the spread of COVID-19 by spreading awareness, imposing lockdown, improving health infrastructure and others. He apprised the Indo-German relations which are laid on the foundation of mutual trust, respect, and growing democratic tie. He said that Germany is the sixth-largest trading partner to India and Germany is the seventh-largest FDI investor in India.

He informed that both the countries have numerous collaborations, partnerships leading to business, trade, and service exchange.

Mr. Pradeep Multani, Vice President, PHDCCI, gave the formal vote of thanks and deliberated about the AYUSH Sector in India. He praised the Government of Germany on taking proactive measures against COVID -19 and the opportunities present for the Indian company to collaborate with their German counterparts.

Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHD Chamber while thanking all the esteemed delegates and participants, also assured that PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry will always remain as a pillar of strength to its members and government.

The Session also included industry insights by Mr. Nasir Zaidi, Chairman, International Affairs Committee for Gulf, PHD Chamber; Mr. Vivek Agarwala, Chairman, International Affairs Committee for Africa; PHD Chamber; and witnessed participation of 140 Industry members including 40 German companies operating out of India. The session was moderated by Mr. Naveen Seth, Principal Director, PHD Chamber.