“Two key areas present significant opportunities for Indo-German collaboration: industrial innovation and workforce development. Joint efforts in these fields can drive mutual growth and resilience.”
Dear Members and Friends of IGCC,
As we reach the midpoint of 2024, the global geopolitical landscape remains turbulent. Ongoing conflicts and rising tensions leave countries, corporations, organizations, and individuals grappling with uncertainty. The concept of "resilience" has become central, yet its implementation is challenging amidst unpredictable threats.
Surveys reveal mixed insights into our foremost challenges: military conflicts, cyber attacks, climate-induced natural disasters, potential pandemics, or a combination thereof. What is clear is that no single entity can prepare for all these scenarios alone.
Despite the obvious need for cooperation, nationalism, protectionism, and self-interest are intensifying. Existing alliances are weakening, and new partnerships are often temporary and opportunistic, driven by immediate, self-serving goals. The fact is, we have to live with it, we have to accept it and find ways to cope with it.
Certain countries, however, maintain strong, long-standing ties. India and Germany, for instance, share a rich history of collaboration across politics, industry, academia, and culture. In light of current geopolitical challenges, it is crucial to strengthen these bonds further.
Two key areas present significant opportunities for Indo-German collaboration: industrial innovation and workforce development. India aims to bolster its industrial base to drive growth, employment, and exports. Germany, with its robust industrial and technological infrastructure, relies on continuous innovation to remain competitive. Thus, partnerships between Indian and German industries, including academic collaborations, are mutually beneficial. This theme will be a focal point at our Annual Meeting with German members on June 12 in Munich.
Workforce skilling and training represent another critical area for cooperation. India's expanding industrial sector will require a vast pool of skilled workers. Conversely, Germany faces a looming shortage of skilled labour while struggling with educational deficits among its youth. Addressing these issues through joint training and skilling initiatives aligned with industry demands in both countries can offer substantial benefits. Recognizing each other’s training and educational qualifications would facilitate quicker employment pathways for Indian trainees in Germany, enhancing overall industrial resilience. We are actively seeking participation from companies in both countries to support this initiative.
Our editorials in 2024 would be incomplete without mentioning the Asia Pacific Conference in Delhi from October 24 to 26. Registration is now open, and we encourage you to visit www.asiapacificconference.com for more information. We look forward to seeing you in Delhi and at our various regional events, listed at https://indien.ahk.de/events.
Enjoy this edition of our magazine!
Stefan Halusa
Director General