On August 23, 2024, the prestigious Taj Bengal Hotel in Kolkata served as the distinguished venue for the Eastern Region Members’ Meet of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. The event attracted over 250 esteemed guests from the Indo-German business community, embodying the spirit of networking, collaboration, and unity that the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce has championed since its inception.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome address by Nari Kalwani, Chairman of the Eastern Regional Council. The significance of the event was further underscored by the presence of prominent speakers, including Dr. Shashi Panja, the Hon'ble Minister-in-Charge of the Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Government of West Bengal; Andrea Jeske, Deputy Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany; and Hekani Jakhalu, Member of the Legislative Assembly and Advisor on Industries & Commerce from the Government of Nagaland. Additionally, Roshni Sen, CMD of WBIDC, and Astrid Wege, Director of the Goethe-Institute in Kolkata, graced the event with their insights.
One of the highlight moments of the evening came from Debashish Mukherjee, the Indian Representative of Wienstroth GmbH, as he announced the opening of a new Office and Steel Furnace Factory in Kolkata. His remarks, along with those of other distinguished guests, exemplified the collective commitment to fostering business and investment in the region, nurtured by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.
The event featured an invigorating panel discussion titled “Exploring the Multifaceted Dimensions of Sustainability: Unveiling Benefits & Business Practices in a Transformative Era.” This compelling dialogue included influential leaders such as Dr. Sascha Buechel, Managing Director of Wacker Metroark Chemicals; Suchismita Roy, Lead for Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability at Bayer Crop Science Limited; Tanvir Ahmed, Managing Director of Harbauer India; and Pramod Singh, President of India Power. The panel delved into critical issues at the intersection of sustainability and business practices, drawing insights that will undoubtedly shape future endeavors in the Indo-German business landscape.
As the evening wound down, Stefan Halusa, Director General of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, delivered the Vote of Thanks. He highlighted the upcoming Asia-Pacific Konferenz (APK) scheduled for October 24-26 in Delhi, an event of significant importance jointly organized by the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
Particularly noteworthy was the presence of a delegation from the Government of Nagaland, symbolizing a collective effort to strengthen connections and enhance Indo-German relations. The evening culminated in a delightful dinner and networking session, echoing the Chamber’s longstanding tradition of fostering collaboration and enterprise—a legacy that began in Mumbai in 1956 and continued in Kolkata from 1959.
The success of such events hinges significantly on the continued support from corporate partners. A heartfelt thank you was extended to AMB, Asian Leather, Bellmer, Herkules Machine Tools (Deutsche Maschinen India), Harbauer India, W. Hunger Hydraulics India, India Power, International Combustion, Vikram Solar, and Wacker Metroark Chemicals for their unwavering support in making this gathering a success.
Tom Reiner, Regional Director of the Chamber, played the role of host for the evening, fostering an atmosphere of connection and camaraderie. It is a joy to witness how members come together at these gatherings, forging new relationships and exploring potential collaborations that will fortify the Indo-German business landscape.
As the Chamber looks to the future, the meeting in Kolkata serves as a reminder of the strength and potential of Indo-German ties—one that promises to flourish further in the years to come.
