Archiv der Kategorie: Indo-German Business News

External news with relevance for Indo-German economic and business relations

Smart Mobility for India: Needs, Opportunities and Challenges

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India finds itself in a precarious situation. While the lack of efficient and effective mediums of mobility for public-at-large outside metropolitan cities continues to cause loss of productivity and stifle economic growth in a considerable manner; the economic growth in major urban centres and the resultant growth of passenger vehicles and two-wheelers is leading to heavy traffic jams and pollution, again causing loss of productivity and chocking of economic growth. This article argues that a viable solution to these entwined and complex challenges lies in implementing “smart mobility” solutions. This could prove to be the next growth driver and present immense opportunities for Indo-German collaboration, in both private and public sectors. […]

This article, authored by Rajnish Tiwari, has been published in GermanyContact India (issue 02/2012, August). To continue reading click here. An extended, unedited version of the article with additional information/graphs can be accessed here (PDF, 524 KB).

Hamburg and India: Facts and Figures

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For a properly formatted and aligned copy please download as PDF: German / English
Status: 20.04.2012
Indian life in Hamburg

Population: Hamburg is the home to 2,666 persons of Indian nationality (figures from 31/12/2011); with an average of 50 Indian men and women obtaining German citizenship each year (source: Statistical Office North). In the year 2011, a total of 6,092 Indian tourists visited the Hanseatic City of Hamburg (19,676 overnight stays; source: Hamburg Tourismus GmbH.)

Hamburg-based organisations and associations relating to India:

  • Consulate General of India, including department of trade
  • German-Indian Round Table (GIRT)
  • Deutsch-Indische Gesellschaft in Hamburg (DIG)
  • Kerala Samajam Hamburg
  • Indian Festival Committee Hamburg
  • Indisch-Deutsche Gemeinschaft
  • Bharatiya Kala Kendra Indische Vereinigung Hamburg
  • Naya Bharat Gemeinschaft Hamburg
  • Deutsch-Indisches Kulturforum
  • Institut für Klassische Indische Musik
  • Deutsch-Indische Marwari-Gesellschaft
  • Bhakti-Yoga-Zentrum
  • Dewi Saraswati (primarily involved in development co-operation)
  • H.E.L.G.O. (educational programmes regarding child labour in Kolkata)
  • Afghan Hindu temple in Hamburg Rothenburgsort
  • Cricket clubs in Hamburg: Alster Cricket Club, Hamburg International Cricket Club, Pak Alemi Cricket Club, Hansa Cricket Club, and the cricket division of HSV

Intercultural exchange
In the field of arts and cultural production, a whole range of connections and collaborations exist between Hamburg and India. Hamburg’s Ministry of Culture continually promotes intercultural exchange with India, e.g. by inviting Indian artists to the Hanseatic city. The Hamburg Cultural Authority is supported by partners and hosts, among them Hamburg-based associations such as Deutsch-Indische Gesellschaft, as well as other stakeholders from the cultural scene, such as Kampnagel, Metropolis cinema, as well as KinderKinder e.V. Since 2007, India Week Hamburg takes on the role of focussing these activities.

Economic and commercial relations with India
Trade relations between Hamburg and India can be traced back to the 16th century. Due to India’s dynamic economic growth, trade with India has increased considerably in the course of the last few decades. One of the major factors in this regard is the port of Hamburg. While Germany’s export to India increased by 160 percent between 2005 and 2011, the volume of export conducted via Hamburg increased by as much as 272 percent. Hamburg’s share of exports to India amounts to 4.3 percent; the city’s import share lies at 10.6 percent. The port trade volume increased from 240,000 standard containers (TEU) in 2010 to 275,000 standard containers 2011, which equals a growth of 14.5 percent
(Sources: Statistical Office Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein / Port of Hamburg Marketing market research)

Foreign trade between Hamburg and India
Volume Import Export
Volumen 2009: 1.483 bn Euro 2010: 1.260 bn Euro 2011: 1.260 bn Euro
Import 2009: 646.0 m Euro 2010: 815.1 m Euro 2011: 793.5 m Euro
Export 2009: 837.4 m Euro 2010: 45.2 m Euro 2011: 466.2 m Euro
(in 2012, export figures are due to rise considerably because of new orders for Airbus)
Indian enterprises in Hamburg
More than 35 Indian companies have branches in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region, among them renowned players such as Tata Consultancy Services Deutschland GmbH and Mahindra Satyam from the IT and engineering industry. Indian steel giant Laxmi Mittal acquired Hamburger Stahlwerke, and Suzlon Energy Ltd, Indian manufacturer of wind turbines, has a majority share in the Hamburg-based manufacturer Repower Systems. In addition to that, Hamburg is home to textile and spice importers such as Seth, BOOM and H.A.N.S. Spices.

Hamburg enterprises in India
More than 570 Hamburg companies are involved in foreign trade with India. Almost half of these companies run export businesses, the other half import goods from India. Approximately 120 companies from Hamburg have a representative office, a branch, a share or a production plant in India, among them Biesterfeld International GmbH, Mumbai, Eppendorf AG, Chennai, Evotec AG / Research Support International Pvt. Ltd (RSIPL), Thane/Mumbai, as well as C. Illies & Co.,Mumbai.
Industries
Aviation Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, et al.
Export trade Machinery, chemicals, iron/steel/metal goods
Import trade Textiles, machinery, chemicals, oil
Renewable energy Wind energy, solar power plants
Port, transport, logistics Export of services
IT / media Import of services
Water supply Export of services
Life sciences Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals

Points of contact for businesses from India and Hamburg

German Indian Round Table (GIRT): GIRT is an association of individuals who have business interests and a general interest in India. The overall aim is to promote economic relations between Germany and India. GIRT facilitates the exchange of information between German and Indian entrepreneurs, hosts events on economic topics and organises trips to India.
Hamburg Representation Mumbai: To strengthen relations between the two countries, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, and Hamburg Marketing e.V. have established an official representative office at the German-Indian Chamber of Commerce (IGCC). The Hamburg Representation Mumbai was opened in January 2011 and is managed by Mr Peter Deubet. www.hamburgmumbai.com
HamburgAmbassador: Mr Frank König, ILLIES Engineering (India) Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai, India. The aim of this honorary office is to set up an international network to promote the City of Hamburg in the respective country. HamburgAmbassadors are appointed by Hamburg’s First Mayor.
HWF Hamburg Business Development Corporation: Advisory services and support for Indian companies that settle in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. HWF India representative is Mr Amal Mukhopadhyay (founder and director of ElGa Biotech), who is active in the field of life sciences.
Hamburg Chamber of Commerce: Responding to an increased interest in India, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce launched an India Desk in 2007, a unit that closely collaborates with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. The main task is to advise Hamburg-based businesses and Indian businesses regarding import and export and on establishing branches and production plants. The India Desk also provides information on India’s economy and arranges business contacts.
Consulate General of India: Established in June 1952, the Consulate General of India in
Hamburg features its own commercial department. Consul General is Ms M. Subashini, who has been in office since 2010.
GIGA Institute of Asian Studies at the GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies: This research centre focusses on analysing political, economic and social developments in South East Asia, China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and India.
OAV German Asia-Pacific Business Association: For 111 years, OAV has been involved in
organising specialist seminars, public workshops and information events. OAV organises business trips to the Asia-Pacific region and offers advice and support to its member companies. Being one of the sponsor organisations of APA Asia-Pacific-Committee of German Business, OAV plays a major role in representing the concerns of German businesses that are active in region.
Service point for SME – market access India: Since October 2010, small and medium- sized enterprises from Hamburg can receive specialised support for accessing the Indian market. The service point is operated by the HWWI Hamburg Institute of International Economics in collaboration with the IGEP Indo-German Export Promotion Foundation. The project initially runs until 2013 and is funded by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the European Social Fund (ESF).

Exchange in science and research
Several Hamburg universities and research centres offer scholarships for Indian students and maintain exchange programmes and joint projects with Indian universities and research bodies. In the winter semester of 2010/2011, a total of 125 Indian students were enrolled in one of Hamburg’s many universities and polytechnics. 88 of these students, i.e. approximately 70 percent, were enrolled in engineering degrees at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). The University of Hamburg, the TUHH, the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW), the GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, the GKSS Research Centre Geesthacht, and DESY Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron collaborate with India’s high- ranking Central Universities, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIM). Co-operation partners include the following:

  • University of Delhi Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
  • National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS), New Delhi
  • Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai/Madras
  • Indira Gandhi Institute, Mumbai
  • Central University of Hyderabad
  • National Law School of India, Bangalore
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
  • Filmschule Roopkala Kendro in Kolkata
  • Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, District Garhwal
  • Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar/Orissa
  • Institute for Defense Analysis and Studies (IDSA) Delhi
  • Observer Research Foundation, Delhi
  • National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.

The Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) at the TUHH in particular maintains a very close relationship with India. Current projects include the collaboration agreement between TUHH and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), as well as the “Global Innovation” project that addresses research and development in India. Many of the above mentioned Indian institutions are co-operation partners of TIM/TUHH.
South Asia Day at the University of Hamburg: Since 2003, the Department for Indian and Tibetan Culture and History at the Asia Africa Institute (AAI) hosts an annual South Asia Day. The event focusses on recent economic, political and cultural developments in the region. The South Asia day is frequented by diplomats from South-Asian countries, economists, political scientists, as well as media representatives; however the event is also open to a general audience.
Contact: Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH, Press and Public Relations
Saskia Jöhnk, Tel.: +49 40-3569-2445, e-mail: saskia.joehnk@hamburg-messe.de
Press texts, photos and poster motif for download, and current ship list at www.hamburg.de/hafengeburtstag

Airbus sees India in need of over 1,040 aircraft worth US$145 billion in next 20 years

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Airbus says: „India needs over 1,040 aircraft worth US$145 billion in next 20 years“ and sees demand for larger eco-efficient aircraft

15 March 2012 Press Release

According to Airbus’ latest market forecast, Indian carriers will require 1,043 new passenger (1,020) and freighter (23) aircraft valued at US$145 billion between now and 2030 to satisfy surging annual demand. India’s market for new aircraft makes it the world’s fourth largest in both number of aircraft and value.

Indian annual passenger traffic growth rates of 7.2 per cent are well above the regional Asia Pacific average growth rate of 5.9 per cent and the world average 4.8 per cent.

Of the requirement for 1,020 new passenger aircraft, some 860 will be for growth and 160 to replace the eldest aircraft in the existing fleet of 327. By 2030, this means that India’s passenger fleet will more than triple to some 1,180 aircraft. The new passenger aircraft include 646 single aisles like the A320 and A320neo Family, 308 twin aisles like the A350 XWB and A330, and 66 very large aircraft such as the A380.

Growing urbanization and population concentrations combined with a growing middle class and dynamic economic growth are driving demand and this trend is expected to continue. Despite near term challenges, the Indian economy is forecast to continue expanding, helping India’s growth in domestic air travel to reach even higher growth rates of nearly 10 per cent annually, making it one of the fastest growing aviation markets anywhere in the world.

“By 2030, India’s economy is forecast to be the fourth largest in the world creating exceptional potential for growth in the aviation sector. Through our Indian industrial partnerships we are proud to boast that every A320 today is partly made in India,” said Dr. Kiran Rao, Airbus Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, and President of Airbus India. “Our engineering and industrial footprint in India supports over 2,000 highly skilled Indian jobs throughout our supply chain, and this figure is growing.”

Airbus’ partnership with India dates back almost 40 years. Today, half of all A320 forward doors and all flap track beams are produced in India. Established in 2006, the Airbus Engineering Centre India (AECI) in Bangalore employs over 270 highly skilled local engineers working in high end analysis and design on all Airbus products. The centre is expected to grow to 450 over the next three years. Airbus recently established a second pilot training centre in Noida (this one in cooperation with CAE and Interglobe) to complement the existing facility in Bangalore. Combined, they will have the capacity to train up to 5,000 pilots and maintenance engineers per year. Airbus’ market share of new aircraft orders in India is over 70 per cent.

Source: Airbus‘ Press Release, dated: 15.03.2012.

India orders ‘compulsory license’ for Bayer’s cancer drug

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According to one report in the Economic Times (13.03.2012):

The government has allowed a local drugmaker to make and sell a patented cancer drug at a fraction of the price charged by Germany’s Bayer AG, setting a precedent for more such efforts by Indian firms and heightening the global pharmaceutical industry’s anxiety over the use of the controversial compulsory licensing provision.

The outgoing patent controller of India, PH Kurian, on Monday granted the country’s first compulsory licence to Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma, permitting it to manufacture and market a generic version of Nexavar, a medicine used for treating liver and kidney cancer, in India for just 3% of the patented drug’s price in return for paying 6% royalty on sales to Bayer.

[…] Bayer is expected to legally challenge the decision. “We will evaluate our options to further defend our intellectual property rights in India,” a company spokesman said. […]

Source: “Natco Pharma bags licence to sell Bayer’s cancer drug Nexavar” (Economic Times, 13.03.2012)

Also see: “India patent ruling may open door for cheaper HIV drugs” (Economic Times, 13.03.2012)

Indo-German Trade Continues its Dream Run in 2011

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The bilateral trade volume in calendar year 2011 is estimated to have stood at €18.4 billion, up from €15.5 billion in 2010, thereby registering a staggering growth of 18.7%. The growth in bilateral exports and imports outperformed the overall growth in Germany’s trade with the rest of the world. While Germany’s exports to India grew by 17.1% on yearly basis and stood at €10.87 billion, the imports grew by 20.2% reaching €7.5 billion.

Read the complete report titled „Indo-German Trade Continues its Dream Run in 2011: Bilateral business defies financial crisis and economic slowdown„.