Joint-German Indian Round Table (GIRT) meet of Coimbatore and Frankfurt Chapters held at Hotel Residency Tower, Coimbatore, recently.
The meeting was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Her Excellency Michaela Kuchler, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai and the Guest of Honour, Alexandre Callegaro, Head of Economic Section, German Embassy, New Delhi.
The Chief Guest, Michaela Kuchler, stated “GIRT has four branches in South India. It is taking necessary steps to increase trade between the two countries. There are plans to open more branches in cities including Bengaluru.
There was a problem in obtaining visas between the two countries. Now, it has been simplified and resolved. The lessons to be learned from the Indian people are generosity, hospitality, tolerance in society, etc.”
The opening address of the meeting was delivered by Ramasamy, Chairman of Roots Group of Companies and Founder Patron of the German-Indian Round Table, Coimbatore Chapter, said, “Germany and Tamil Nadu have many similarities. Especially the German city of Saxony has a comparable similarity with Coimbatore. German Saxony is very interested in doing business with Tamil Nadu. This will be of great help in establishing strong business relations.”
Chandrasekar, Corporate Director of Roots Group of Companies and Head of German-Indian Round Table, Coimbatore Chapter “The Coimbatore branch of this organisation has very close ties with Germany.
The Coimbatore branch has been playing a major role in establishing ties with other countries in the economic development of Tamil Nadu. It has paved the way for various exchanges of goods including engineering from Coimbatore. It has developed industrial relations,” he said.
Radhakrishnan, Chairman, CII, Coimbatore Chapter, delivered their special address and noted the key relationship with Germany and emphasised further investment for future development and the continuation of a sustained relationship.
The guest of honour noted “Half of the 5,000 companies operating in India are based in Germany. Trade between the two countries has increased by 3 per cent. Both sides are working together in education, business and development. 50,000 students are studying in Germany. The average income of Indians is higher than that of people in Germany. This shows growth,” he said.
Topics discussed at the meeting were Germany’s role as a prime investment location for Indian Companies in the EU, the Protection of foreign investments in Germany, Forms of doing business in Germany for foreign companies, the “EU Blue Card” scheme for residence permits and Tax aspects of doing business in Germany.
