Date:01/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/01/stories/2006110118660300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Bavaria scouting for trade partners

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Bavaria, which has had a strong presence in India with over 250 companies having set up shop here in the last five years, is in talks with 10 Indian companies that are likely to open operations there, Erwin Huber, Bavarian Economic Affairs Minister, said here today.

Mr. Huber told presspersons that India was one of the most important Bavarian trade partners in Asia. During his current visit, which coincides with Bangalore IT.in 2006, Bavaria's University of Applied Sciences has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with International Institute of Information Technology for student exchange and to take up joint projects.

Mr. Huber said: "Both Bavaria and India focus on the development of future oriented hitech products and technologies.

"There are many opportunities to benefit from each other in scientific as well as in economic terms.

"World renowned universities, and research facilities have given it a distinct advantage," he said.