PM's tour: Call for strengthening Indo-EU ties

Hannover, Apr 23: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today underlined the need for greater, deeper and wider German involvement in India's economy to help it achieve an annual growth rate of 10 per cent and also sought Berlin's assistance in giving a true meaning and content to the Indo-EU strategic partnership.

''Germany is an important country in the European Union. India is seeking a strategic partnership with the EU. It goes without saying that without Germany's support, it is not possible to give a true meaning and content to this relationship,'' the Prime Minister said in a brief chat with reporters after signing the Golden Book at the new Town Hall here in the presence of Hannover Mayor Herbert Schmalstieg.

Dr Singh said the relations between India and the EU were bound to go from strength to strength if Germany, the most important member of the regional grouping, supported India's cause.

The Prime Minister said Germany could help India in a big way in its economic growth. ''Germany's contribution in the growth of Indian economy has been enormous but we can't be satisfied. India seeks more investments, technology and research cooperation with Germany to achieve faster, deeper and wider economic growth.'' Earlier, in his remarks after signing the Golden Book, Dr Singh said he was happy that Germany has chosen India to be the partner country for the Hannover Fair, the largest technology trade exhibition, after 22 years. Some 300 Indian companies would participate in the fair.

The Prime Minister said India had always admired Germany for the enormous progress it had made, particularly in the economic field, after the second World War. Germany was India's third largest trade partner in the EU and the sixth largest investor in the Indian economy. ''We had begun well but we have to do a lot more to take this cooperation to new heights,'' he added.

Dr Singh said it was the endeavour of his government to cooperate with Germany for realising the goal of building an India free of hunger, want and exploitation.

He was hopeful that his visit here would be instrumental in forging a ''new, dynamic and mutli-faceted'' relationship between India and Germany.

The Hannover Mayor, in his brief address, said India was an important country in the world, representing more than one sixth of the humanity. He said it was of great importance for Germany to have the best of ties with India.

He hoped India and Germany would consolidate their cooperation in all areas, including political.

UNI

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