Hamburg: Collaboration between India and
Germany, especially in wind energy sector, is the way forward
to achieve a win-win situation for both the countries, a top
Indian diplomat here has said.
The two countries discussed the possibility of
cooperation in wind energy sector and water purification
plants during the recently concluded India Week in Hamburg.
Speaking at a Seminar on 'Renewable Energy Sector in
Hamburg and India', M Subashini, India's Consul General in
Hamburg, said: "Hamburg, being the Green Capital of Europe
this year, is the best place to have a meeting of the minds to
explore the possibility of deeper cooperation in wind energy
sector and the way forward to achieve a win-win situation for
our countries."
She was positive that "such business events and regular
exchange of visits of business leaders and specialists will
pave the way to enhance collaboration between India and
Germany especially in areas like clean coal, wind energy,
photo voltaic panels and others and strengthen our strategic
partnership further."
Participating in the seminar, Jayant Kavale of
Bharat Forge Ltd said "we are keen to collaborate with
industries in Hamburg dealing with water purification plants."
The week was packed with as many as 40 events.
During talks and panel discussions, experts
discussed economic relations in the field of renewable energy
and aviation.
The cultural programme comprised of film screenings,
concerts, dance and theatre performances, exhibitions and arts
projects.
Speaking at the Senate Reception, Subashini said
"Hamburg plays a significant role in contributing to the trade
and economic relations between India and Germany not only in
trading but also merger and acquisition activities.
"The need of the time is to expand into other new
areas of cooperation to deal with the fast-paced changes in
the world especially dealing with financial crisis, climate
change, energy security and other such developmental issues."
Subashini noted that the India Week, once again offered
the citizens of Hamburg to discover India in its richness,
traditions, vibrant colours and festivities.
Hamburg's importance for India is underscored by the
fact Hamburg is the gateway not only to Germany but to the
entire Central and east Europe as well as to the Scandinavian
countries.
State Councillor Wolfgang Schmidt said: "India ranks
next to China as Hamburg's major Asian trading partner. But
also in science, education, ecology and culture, we are
maintaining a lively exchange. Relations are strong, and yet
we would like to identify ways of enhancing collaboration,
unearth future potential, assess potential risks, and, most
importantly, discover further opportunities."
Subashini said some of the projects and programmes would
continue beyond the India week, for instance the Yamuna-Elbe
river project in New Delhi and the Bitfilm Festival in
Bangalore.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, October 30, 2011, 13:06