India has conveyed its consent to be the `Partner Country` at the prestigious Hannover Fair in Germany to be held from April 12 – 17, 2015. By accepting the invitation of German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel for India to be the Partner Country at Hannover Messe 2015, the Government has sent strong signals to the industry about strengthening global trade and inviting investment into India. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is expected to be present at the world renowned engineering and technology fair beginning April 12.

The Department of Commerce has mandated Engineering Export Promotion Council India and India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) along with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as the lead agencies for Indian participation in the fair.

The Hannover Fair attracts nearly two lakh global leaders in business, technology, industrial scientists and policy makers. About 300 Indian companies including public sector giants would be participating in the five day fair, seeking technology collaborations, business tie-ups and showcasing India’s capabilities in global trade. India had been the Partner Country at the Hannover Messe in 2006. With USD 21 billion bilateral trade, Germany is India’s sixth largest trading partner with engagement in the areas of mechanical engineering, automobiles, chemicals, services, nuclear reactors, construction etc.

Garments and textile products, chemical products, leather & leather goods, iron, steel and metal goods, electronic components, electrical components, pharmaceutical products, and auto components are major items of exports from India to Germany. The key German exports to India include electrical generation equipment, auto equipment, complete fabrication plants, bearings, gear equipment, measurement and control equipment, primary chemical products, synthetic material, machine tools, aircrafts and iron and steel sheets, etc.

The Government is seeing the participation in the fair as an opportunity to increase its global presence in commodities & services, apart from utilizing the event for attracting investments into India as part of the ‘Make in India’ campaign of the Prime Minister.

The Department of Commerce is in the process of getting in touch with all key Departments in the Central Government as also leaders of Indian business establishments, seeking their participation and co-operation in making the event a grand success.

Partner Country designation at an international trade fair promotes trade expansion and investment outreach under Make in India. India's Partner Country designation at Hannover Messe 2015 advances a government-led strategy to promote trade, attract investment and showcase industrial capabilities under the 'Make in India' campaign. The Department of Commerce has appointed the Engineering Export Promotion Council, India Brand Equity Foundation and the Confederation of Indian Industry as lead agencies to coordinate participation. Indian exhibitors across major export sectors will seek technology collaborations, business tie-ups and investment, while the initiative aims to strengthen bilateral commercial ties and expand exports and services engagement.