New Delhi, July 19: Welcoming the extension of the German Green card scheme, CII on Friday said this has come as a breather to the domestic IT industry and will have a positive impact in bilateral trade relations. Extension of the scheme which was to lapse this month would enhance business particularly in the IT sector which is projected to touch $5 billion in five years, CII said in a release.

Along with opening up further opportunities for the IT industry, it would also expedite sending of IT specialists to on-site locations.
CII President Anand Mahindra had earlier taken up the issue with German Minister of Economic and Labour Wolfgang Clement during his visit to Germany.
The chamber has suggested certain changes in the scheme like there should be no restrictions on the profile of the applicant, inclusion of IT business supporting roles, simplification of the conventional work permit process and fast delivery of work permit and minimum salary requirement for the Green card be brought down to competitive levels. Bureau Report