ERFURT_An ideal platform for companies and researchers to inform themselves and exchange ideas about business opportunities and cooperation options on the Indian subcontinent is offered by the event India Day Thuringia on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The conference takes place in the Meitnerbau of the Technical University of Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Straße 5 in Ilmenau. It is organized by TU Ilmenau and LEG Thüringen.
"Germany and we in Thuringia are relying on India as a strategic partner to diversify our economic relations with Asia," says Thuringia’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Science, Wolfgang Tiefensee. "However, it is important that negotiations on the free trade agreement between the EU and India are brought to a swift conclusion. We need the free trade agreement to reduce existing competitive disadvantages for German companies." Thuringia has been working for many years to further deepen its existing good economic and research relations with the Indian subcontinent. "Trade volume with India reached a new record of 300 million euros in 2023," said the minister. Exchange in the field of science is also working very well – there are currently 13 university cooperations, and 1,900 Indian students are completing their education at a Thuringian university. "This is a solid foundation on which to build for the future," said Tiefensee. Where the greatest potential for deepening cooperation and increasing economic and scientific exchange lies should be discussed at the "India Day.".
Ahead of the event, LEG Managing Director Sabine Wosche emphasizes: “With our team ‘Thuringia International’, we have been supporting Thuringian companies, universities, and research institutes in their internationalization projects for many years. India is one of the fastest-growing economies and offers immense opportunities in terms of business relations as well as cooperation in science and research. Our India Day Thuringia offers a multifaceted program with renowned experts, so that all participants receive a wealth of information and opportunities for exchange.“
"India, as the world's fifth-largest economy, is an extremely attractive partner for us as a technical university. With its stable economic growth, especially in the industrial sector, and its strength in mechanical engineering, but also in the IT sector, we look forward to the 'India Day Thuringia' with great expectations," states Prof. Kai-Uwe Sattler, President of TU Ilmenau, ahead of India Day. "India has launched ambitious economic reform programs in the energy transition, the technology sector, and research – all areas in which TU Ilmenau also has a lot to offer. In addition, India represents the second-largest community of international students at TU Ilmenau, excellently trained men and women whom we would like to keep in Thuringia as future skilled workers if possible."
A highlight of the conference is the keynote speech by Walter J. Lindner, former German ambassador to India, on the topic: “The Old West and the New South. What we should learn from India before it is too late.“ The proven expert on geopolitics offers a fascinating perspective on the subcontinent's global political and economic significance and provides inspiring input for the subsequent panel discussion on the topic “India, the new China?“ with experts and company representatives. Two parallel workshops also offer many instructive suggestions and the opportunity for exchange. They focus on successful market entry and business development in India, as well as intercultural understanding in business practice. The cooperation opportunities in the field of science and research between Thuringian and Indian institutions will also be examined and discussed. A newly launched format is the program item “Indian Business Idol“ – here, Indian students present innovative ideas that can be used to expand business relations between Thuringian companies and India. The event comes to a festive close in the evening with a celebration of the Indian Diwali festival, which, as the “Festival of Lights“, is one of the most important Hindu festivals. All participants experience a colorful cultural program with music and dance, Indian cuisine, and many great networking opportunities.
All media professionals are cordially invited to participate in the event.
Location: Ilmenau, Meitnerbau, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Straße 5
Time: Thursday, November 7, 12-8 p.m
Information about the event with program at: www.thueringen-international.de/termine/india-day-thuringia-2024
