Slovakia expects bilateral trade with India to reach $400 mn

CHENNAI: Slovakia expects its bilateral trade with India to touch $400 million by the end of 2008, Ambassador of the east European nation Alexander Ilascik has said.

Indo-Slovak business was expected to reach USD 200 million in 2007 and double by the end of 2008, he said after inaugurating the Indo-Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry here last night.

The country is also keen to forge strong economic ties with India especially in metallurgy, engineering, pharma and chemical industries, he added.

"India is one of the most important trade partners of the Slovak Republic. Our developed metallurgical, engineering, pharmaceutical and chemical industries offer many more possibilities for cooperation with Indian enterprises," he said.

He said the Slovak Republic could act as one of the gateways to other countries in that region for Indian products and Indian investments in Europe.

He also said the country was keen to strike partnerships with the information technology and automobile industry in Tamil Nadu.