The Hindu Business Line : Germany seeks jt ventures in Bengal food processing

Mr Peter Clasen, leader of a German delegation, Ms Ruth Schneider, Regional Manager, OAV, and Mr P.M. Narielvala, Chairman of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Region, at a meeting in Kolkata on Wednesday. — A. Roy Chowdhury

Kolkata , Nov 9

A 15-MEMBER business delegation on food processing from Germany has begun interactions with officials and local business houses in the city with the objective of exploring the potential of the food processing sector in West Bengal and identifying joint ventures and strategic business alliances.

This is the first time that a large delegation on food processing from Germany is on a visit to the city.

The delegation's two-day visit, organised by OAV-German Asia-Pacific Business Association in co-operation with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), will conclude on Thursday with an interactive session with the Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

The leader of the delegation, Mr Peter Clasen, said that he was impressed by the investment climate in the State but, at the same time, he felt that infrastructure facilities were still not adequate for ensuring an effective development of the food processing sector in the State.

Mr Clasen also said that many German companies were not aware of the fact that 100 per cent FDI has been allowed in India in the food processing sector. The information on FDI has to be spread among German companies.

Therefore, he suggested that a business delegation from West Bengal should visit Germany in order to market the State and clarify India's FDI policy with regard to the food processing sector.

Dr Wolfgang von Wiese, a food scientist and member of the delegation, said that Indian producers and exporters of food products should maintain International Food Standards (IFS) in order to export to the European countries and retail organisations in the UK, Germany, and France; these countries jointly introduced IFS to strictly ensure quality of food items. The standards have to be followed by all countries.

Metro group plans Kolkata presence

THE Metro group, a leading Germany company on wholesale cash and carry business, which has established its presence in India with two functional entities in Bangalore, has decided to expand its operation in all major cities in the country.

As part of expansion plan, the group will set up three units (wholesale distribution centres) in Kolkata. The first one will be set up on an eight-acre plot, entailing an investment of about Rs 70 crore. The unit will be ready by September 2006.

The Metro group operates in 30 countries with strong focus on Russia and the Asia-Pacific region. It achieved sales of about 56.4 billion euros and employs about 250,000 people. The group now wants to give more focus on India in wholesale cash and carry business on all food items.

Mr Heinrich O.E. Birr, Vice-President (International Affairs) of the group, told newspersons that he met the Chief Minister on Wednesday and explained in detail the group's business plan for the State.

Mr Birr also said that retailers in Kolkata and Howrah to begin with would be the group's business target.

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