The 60 years of Indo-German bilateral trade has become more memorable due to the fact the two countries have been maintaining a very cordial diplomatic relationship for several years. India remains a cornerstone of success for several German companies in general and auto sector in particular. Almost all the German companies that have invested in India remain successful. Among the many successful German companies in operation in India for decades are Mercedes-Benz, Daimler, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Bosch, BASF, Siemens, and so on.
Hence the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce Annual Regional Meet 2017 with its theme “IGCC-60 Years & Going Strong” held in Chennai, assumes greater significance. Year after year, the annual regional meet is gaining momentum not only in terms of increasing number of sponsors but also the number of delegates attending it with renewed interest. The credit for the entire meet goes to the team spirit of IGCC Southern Region Office headed by Mr. S. Raj, Regional Director.
Mr. L. Ganesh, Chairman, Rane Group, who was the Guest of Honour on the occasion, said the auto industry of Germany, largest producer of vehicles in Europe, contributes almost 20 per cent of the revenue to the country’s economy.
Mr. Ganesh stressed the point that the relationship among family-owned companies both in India and Germany is growing stronger day by day. In India, the current rate of growth requires employable youth in greater numbers with adequate skill to promote the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative in which Tamil Nadu’s auto sector has a large role to play.
Germany has emerged the second largest export market for the Rane Group after the US. The Deming Prize awarded to the Group testifies to the quality of the Rane products, he added.
Mr. Achim Fabig, Consul General of Germany in Chennai, in his special address, said that since he took over in July 2014 there has been a commendable growth in relationship between India and Germany both in political and economic spheres.
Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Partner – India, Roland Berger, who was also the Guest of Honour on the occasion, observed that market regulations, technological developments and innovative business initiatives are the key drivers of business development as well reflected in the growing relations between India and Germany. A special mention has to be made of the strong potential market available in the field of renewable energy and solar energy, and by 2030, 100 per cent electric vehicles are expected to be rolled out by the vehicle manufacturers in both the countries.
Mr. C.S. Mathur, President, IGCC, observed that Tamil Nadu is gearing up to meet the challenges in the emerging scenario and that India and Germany can together produce more cars with higher investments expected to flow into the automotive sector.
Mr. Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General, IGCC, in his keynote address, said that the recent months was notable with the Indian Government going in for demonetization and the US Government for deglobalization. Germany is, of course, an open market for all sectors, including automobiles, where innovation is the key growth driver. Hence it offers greater potential for Indian companies to collaborate with German organisations.
In vocational training, skilling is considered the most important. The German model of dual education is rated the best, and youngsters in Germany are earning their salary and thus striving to live on their own. A similar trend is evident among the German workers too. With greater promotion of start-ups, the Indian entrepreneurship is now getting a big boost, Mr. Bernhard added.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Ranjit Pratap, Chairman, Southern Region Council, IGCC, said that Tamil Nadu has been proactive in various industries and continue surging ahead, and Chennai, the Detroit of India, now accounts for 30 per cent of the overall automotive sector revenue in India.
Mr. S. Raj, Regional Director, IGCC, who has been the source of inspiration and strengthening the chamber activities in the Southern Region, in his inimitable style, thanked all the sponsors and delegates who attended the meet in large numbers.