India holds 'Make in India' fortnight in Germany

FRANKFURT: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Germany next month, a 'Make in India' fortnight has been held near here which included a series of events highlighting initiatives to make India a preferred investment destination.

The Indian Consulate in Frankfurt, in close cooperation with the city authorities of Cologne, about 190 kilometres from here, organised a grand road show on Friday which was the concluding event of the 'Make in India' fortnight series.

The series of events were organised by the Consulate in the lead up to Modi's upcoming visit to Germany to inaugurate the Hannover Trade Fair where India will be the partner country.

In his address, Consul General Raveesh Kumar emphasised on the importance of this campaign and highlighted the positive developments that are being undertaken by the Indian government to make India a manufacturing hub and a preferred investment destination.

The Lord Mayor of Cologne Juergen Roters, while lauding the initiative of the Indian government, highlighted the special relationship that the city shares with India and invited Indian companies to invest in Cologne.

Subhra Singh, Joint Secretary, Department of Policy and Promotion (DIIP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, was especially invited from India to throw light on the various aspects of the 'Make in India' initiative and its relevance to the German investors.

The 'Make in India' initiative was launched by the Indian Consulate in Frankfurt in cooperation with HCL on March 11 with an event in the city of Ludwigshafen that had a special emphasis on data security.

India is participating as the partner country at Hannover Messe, April 13-17, under the theme 'Make in India'.

The Messe will be jointly inaugurated by Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Over 100 CEO's of the Indian industry are expected to participate and with over 450 Indian companies, making it the largest Indian representation ever at Hannover.