India, Germany to boost trade ties

Relations between India and Germany are poised for a quantum jump with the two major democracies holding high-level discussions in New Delhi on Tuesday on strengthening cooperation in diverse areas, ranging from trade and investment to culture and energy.
 
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who arrives in New Delhi tonight on her maiden visit to India, will hold discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on various aspects of bilateral relations.
 
After discussions between the two leaders and delegation-level talks, the two countries will sign about 12 agreements for cooperation in various areas, mainly trade and investment. 
 
The German Chancellor will also hold a business meeting with representatives of Indian industry, including the CII, Ficcci and Assocham. Merkel will also hold talks with business leaders in Mumbai. Merkel will be accommpanied by top leaders of German industry, including Seimens and Lufthansa.
 
 The German Chancellor is also scheduled to meet members of the civic society and intellectuals. She will address a CEO's Round-Table of Indo-German Chambers of Commerce.
 
Describing the current phase of relations as ''the most successful'', the Ambassador said bilateral trade had doubled during the past three years - from five billion Euros in 2004 to ten billion in 2007.
 
''Investment relations are thriving...'' he said, while adding that the two democracies share lot of common values and interests, including the challenges of terrorism to peace and security.

UNI