A German delegation led by the Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Alexander Dobrindt today called on Union Minister of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises Shri Anant G. Geete here in New Delhi today. The purpose of the visit was to deepen mutual collaboration within the Indo-German Automobile Working Group.

Welcoming the German Minister Shri Geete referred to the historic relations between the two countries and said Germany is the biggest trade partner of India in Europe. He also mentioned the framework MoU signed in 2015 between the Department of Heavy Industries (DHI) and Fraunhofer, Germany, which will act as the technology resource partner. Shri Geete said The objective of this MoU is to support and augment the ‘Make in India’ programme through increasing the innovation and technology prowess of Indian industry. He said currently India is the safest destination for Investment in the world. He also invited the German Industry to come ahead in this regard.

The leader of German delegation Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure of the, Mr. Alexander Dobrindt thanked Shri Geete and expressed his satisfaction on the visible presence of German Industry in India. He however requested Indian government to dispel confusion on the ban on sale and production of diesel vehicles which is hampering the German Industry to invest further. On this Shri Geete said his Ministry other concerned ministries – the Environment & Forest Ministry and the Petroleum Ministry are working in this regard and said since the ban was from Supreme Court in order to curb pollution so efforts for a balanced approach are being looked into. He assured the German Delegation for a viable solution. The Minister said efforts are on to implement the Euro -VI norms for Automobile sector by 2020 and work is also in progress for developing required fuel for the same.

The German Delegation also inquired on the scope of enhancing further invest in the Automotive research, the prospective use of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles and The Capital Goods Policy and the probable impact of GST recently passed by the Indian Parliament. Responding to the enquiry Shri Geete assured the German delegation that any technical will be sorted amicably out in this regard. He also mentioned of the FAME India Scheme for the production of Electric and Hybrid vehicles as the future as for them only. He said small entrepreneurs from Germany can also avail of the opportunities under the Capital Goods Policy.

On the availability of jobs in the German Companies the German Minister informed that 70 percent jobs are offered to the persons where their companies are working in other Countries. Shri Geete further informed that under the Scheme INVEST IN INDIA a Special Arm has been established. He also informed of the legal initiatives like ease of doing business and setting up of Commercial Courts to settle arbitration issues.

The German Minister extended invitation Shri Geete for further talks which he has accepted. Later exchange of pleasantries was also done on the occasion.