Germany hopes that the Free Trade Agreement talks between India and the European Union will resume by the end of the year.

German Ambassador to India Martin Ney said there is a movement in the direction of talks between the two parties.

The Ambassador was in the city for the appointment of BVR Mohan Reddy, Executive Chairman of Cyient Limited, as the Honorary Consul of Germany. Mohan Reddy, former Chairman of the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom), will be the German Consul for the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Later replying to a question on the status of Free Trade Talks between India and the EU, he said both sides had recognised the importance of resuming the talks and having an agreement. The European Union had written to the Indian Government in this regard. “I hear favourable responses when I talked to the government officials here,” he said.

Responding to a question on the surgical strikes recently made by India along the LoC, he said every country has the right to defend itself from terrorism. Also, countries must ensure that terrorism is not emanated from their territories.

Huge market

He wanted the Indian industry to eye the huge opportunities in the global markets. “If you produce only for the domestic market, you might not follow (international) standards. There is a whole big market out there to tap,” he said.

He said Germany was India’s biggest development partner with a support of about₹11,100 crore in the areas of energy, environment and sustainable economic development. Also, Germany has invested about ₹8,500 crore in the construction of new transmission lines and substations.

Responding to his appointment, Mohan Reddy said there were three important areas for collaboration between the two countries. “We can collaborate in science and technology, vocational training for skill development and strengthening the SME ecosystem,” he said.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW