MUMBAI: The Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in India, in association with the Delegation of European Union to India and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mumbai on Friday, 8th May had organized EU Day celebration in Mumbai.
EU as an economic block represents 28-member countries in Europe and the Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in India represents business interest of these 28 EU member countries with INDIA and vice versa.
The event was graced by galaxy of dignitaries: Ambassadors and High Commission not only from EU member nations but also from other non-EU nations.
Speaking at the celebrations, the Chief Guest of the grand celebration Mr Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra said that the Government had been pulling out all the stops for the industry to thrive and to attract foreign investment.
"Permits required to set up a company in the designated areas of Maharashtra have been brought down from 76 to 37 by now and will be further brought down to 25 by June 15," Fadnavis said, while explaining the steps taken by his Government to improve ease in doing business and to ensure seamless ecosystem for business to develop in the state.
Fadnavis said that introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) would make whole country a single market practically, making it attractive for foreign direct investment.
The forward looking policies of the State Government will make it more attractive for European investors and make it a favourite destination for setting up industries.
Capt. Avinash Batra, President of the Council during his welcome address said that the recent visit by the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi has further reinforced bilateral ties. He added that looking ahead, major pointers for enhancement of bilateral ties will include ‘Make in India’ campaign, co-operation between two regions on skill development and education, and activity in several sectors, particularly in renewable and nuclear energy and defence production. The Council of EU Chamber of Commerce in India on its part has been serving its members to realise their objective of entering European markets through dissemination of information, networking opportunities, thought leadership conferences, workshops, seminars and arranging visits of Indian companies to the EU.
He further announced the gathering that The Council of EU Chamber of Commerce in India is mounting a Business Delegation to Eastern Europe during the last week of the month.
H.E. Dr Joao Cravinho, Ambassador & Head of Delegation, European Union (EU) to India, speaking at the Europe Day celebrations, said that India will be an important part of Europe's future, because Europe's future is tied to how it is engaged with the rest of the world.
Dr Cravinho said, "When we see how the Europe is going to grow/develop in the next few years, India plays the backdrop. India is forecast to be the largest strong economy in the world over the next few years, and has to be an important part of the Europe's future."He further added, that developments in India are throwing up tremendous challenges and opportunities. EU-India relations are going to be improving very strong further, he informed.
European Union is the largest trade partner with India and 100s of European companies are doing business and investing here. "We have put in place, a framework for improving relations over the next few years," Dr Cravinho said.
Mr Michael Siebert, Consul General at the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany said that India would do good to sign free-trade agreement with Europe by evolving consensus on some compromises on both sides, for the benefit of both sides. Bilateral talks on the subject are continuing for eight years now.
Explaining the importance of India's FTA with Europe, Siebert said that Europe was an economic giant and is largest trade partner of India, and because the EU brings huge benefits to India in the form of FDI inflow, technology transfer and creation of more jobs in India."
TV Raghunath, Head- Corporate & Investment Banking, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said thatin line with strengthening of bilateral trade between two regions, mergers, acquisitions and joint venture interests are on the upside, posting 47 per cent growth in a year.
While proposing the vote of thanks, Dr Renu Shome, Director of the Council said that the Council will strive to promote the trade relations between both the regions and undertake many such activities which shall help its members to know about the latest happenings with regards to EU India Trade.
Capt Avinash Batra, Chairman of Seahorse Group of Companies, highlighted the Indian Government's ‘Make in India’ initiatives in his welcome address
The “Make in India” initiative has heralded new possibilities between EU and India, said Capt. Avinash Batra, President of the Council, on the eve of Europe Day Celebrations. Eulogizing further he said, “the most notable development has been India’s proactive foreign policy of the new government that has enhanced greater economic cooperation and participation between EU and India”.
He said the recent visit by the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to France & Germany has further reinforced bilateral ties.
"Looking ahead, major pointers for enhancement of bilateral ties will include Make in India campaign, co-operation between two regions on skill development and education, and activity in several sectors, particularly in Infrastructure, renewable and nuclear energy and defence production."
Further extending the importance of India as important trade partner for the EU, and an emerging economic global power, Capt Batra emphasized, “India and the EU both need to aggressively work on increasing bilateral trade and economic co-operation including finding resolution to the outstanding dialogue on FTA”.
