The Saxony delegation visited to foster cultural, economic, and educational ties with Tamil Nadu.
A 35-member business delegation from Saxony State Germany was in Tamil Nadu from 4th to 8th March 2024 to strengthen ties with industries and educational institutes here. This delegation visit was organised with the support from the German Consulate, Chennai and the Indo German Chamber of Commerce, Chennai.
The delegation was headed by Martin Dulig, Saxony State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, and Transport, Germany. This delegation visited Tamil Nadu, India to foster cultural, economic, and educational ties between the two regions. The delegation comprised government officials, business leaders, and academics aiming to explore opportunities for collaboration in various sectors including technology, manufacturing, education, and tourism. Through meetings, seminars, and cultural exchanges, the delegation sought to deepen understanding and strengthen bilateral relations, paving the way for future partnerships and mutual benefits. Such initiatives highlight the importance of international cooperation in today's interconnected world, facilitating exchanges of knowledge, expertise, and resources to advance both regions.
The new immigration law of Germany that came into effect a few days ago will be attractive for the skilled workforce in India who want to work in Germany, said Martin Dulig.
According to him, the shortage of skilled workforce in Germany is estimated to be four million, including four lakhs in Saxony alone. The new law allows immigrants to bring their families. In Saxony, there are kindergartens for children of skilled women workers and hence, the region has a high number of women workers.
There are several prerequisites for immigrants to integrate within German systems. This includes expediting visas and recognizing skill certificates from India. “In tandem with the new law, we have the changes made to ease conditions to get German citizenship,” he added.
Mr. Dulig, who was leading a 35-member delegation to Coimbatore and Chennai for about a week, said German industries are looking at ways to strengthen relationships with industries in Tamil Nadu. Saxony and Tamil Nadu have an industrial set up that is strong in SMEs, mechanical engineering, and automobile sector and can complement each other. India has a young population, and German industries are looking for skilled workers, he said about the scope for partnerships.
Saxony is looking for a long-term, stable relationship with industries and businesses here and the delegation is looking at deepening the contacts between India and Saxony at a political, economic, and scientific level, he added.
Michaela Küchler, the Consul General of Germany in Chennai, said at the Round Table meeting that bilateral trade between Germany and India was 30 billion Euros and Indian exports were increasing. Compared to the presence of German companies in China, there is scope for more presence in India. The year 2024 looks promising for Indo-German relations with several events planned by the two countries, she said.
Saxony delegation visited factories like Sundaram Clayton, Ashok Leyland, and KCP Ltd. suggesting potential collaborations or partnerships between Saxony and these Indian companies, possibly in the automotive or manufacturing sectors. Such visits often aim to explore investment opportunities, technology transfer or fostering international relations.
Martin Dulig, Saxony State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, and Transport, Germany thanked Michaela Kuchler, the Consul General of Germany in Chennai and Mallikarjuna Shivasharanappa, Regional Director, IGCC Chennai for accompanying the delegation in Coimbatore and Chennai and organising the whole event.
