Enhance investment by giving thrust on infrastructure

German and French consul generals have expressed their wish to enhance the existing investment climate in Karnataka, by giving more thrust on the infrastructure front.

In an exclusive interaction with Deccan Herald ahead of the Invest Karnataka 2015, German Consul General Jörn Rohde and French Consul General François Gautier expressed their wish that the state government take up the infrastructure issue seriously to attract more investments.

Rohde said that at the German and Indian government levels, there is good relationship, and the bilateral relationship is growing at a fast pace.

“German Chancellor Angela Merkal came to Karnataka to understand what is happening at the ground level. We discussed commercial relationship and increasing trade. For this to happen, we need a good investment climate, good infrastructure, then ease of doing business and loosening of bureaucratic hurdles. We are working for Indian companies in Germany with that aim, as well,” he said.

Rohde said there are 6,000 German companies in India, of which, 580 are present in Karnataka, and participate in ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make in Karnataka’.

“Besides increasing the manufacturing base, many German companies are involved in R&D activities. Our companies are involved in skill development to help India compete globally. The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Fraunhofer Institute have been doing a phenomenal job in India, especially in Bengaluru,” he said.

“The meeting is an excellent opportunity for Karnataka to showcase its potential power. For the consulate, it is an opportunity to become ambassadors of Karnataka to showcase the opportunities to German companies,” he said.

Road map to investors
He expressed his wish that in the investors meet, the Karnataka government will showcase the road map to investors, and address the existing shortcomings in infrastructure.

“Reliable investment parameters and infrastructure are the precondition for becoming competitive in a globalised economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, French Consul General Gautier said his country is also looking at opportunities, and infrastructure is a big issue.

“We have already committed an investment of €20 billion in India. Over the next five-year period, we plan to commit €10 billion more investment. Along with research and development and IT, defence and aerospace will attract more investments,” he said.

Gautier said that Karnataka is the most sought-after destination for investment as far as French companies are concerned. “We are very much acclimatised to its climate and talent pool. We have also begun tapping the startup ecosystem flourishing in Bengaluru,” he said.