President to visit Spain, Poland to boost trade

New Delhi, Apr 19: President Pratibha Devisingh Patil is leaving for a week-long visit to Spain and Poland on Monday, Apr 20.

During her visit, Patil is likely to sign a number of bilateral agreements to further boost India's relations with the European countries.

Patil would be accompanied by Minister of State for Industrial Policy and Promotion Ashwani Kumar and a business delegation comprising members of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers and Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

Sweltering issues like economy and fight against terrorism would form the vital part of discussions between Patil and her counterparts in Spain and Poland.

The President is also expected to address the Indian community there.

This will be the first-ever State visit by an Indian President to Spain and the fourth such visit to Poland.

Meanwhile, the CII in its recent report has underlined potential areas of development and cooperation between India and Spain. It has stated that the crucial sectors, which should be concentrated on, include IT, environmental technology, aerospace, automobile, infrastructure, transportation, pharmaceutical, SMEs and textiles.

India and Spain should consider having bilateral investment treaties as a tool to enhance investments, the report said, adding that New Delhi could be a gateway for Spanish enterprises to the South-east Asian region.

ANI