Kerala, Bavaria to enhance ties in IT sector

THIRUVANATHAPURAM: Kerala and the German state of Bavaria Friday agreed to develop stronger trade ties in the information technology sector.

Top officials of the two sides held talks under the aegis of the Group of Technology Companies (GTECH) here. German Deputy Consul General Friedrich Rahn said IT entrepreneurs in Kerala could tap the European Union (EU) market by setting up base in Bavaria.

"Bavaria is virtually at the centre of Europe and provides a gateway for Indian businessmen to explore the EU (European Union) market. The export from Bavaria was 150 billion Euros last year," added John Kottayil, executive director, State of Bavaria India office.

Kottayil said around 65 Indian companies had already set up their offices or manufacturing units in Bavaria with an investment of more than $900 million.

GTECH secretary Anoop P. Ambika said Kerala, with its core strength in IT sector, was well positioned to tap the market opportunities in Bavaria.

Bavaria, the largest and most industrialised state in Germany, is home to brands like BMW, Audi, Siemens, Puma, Adidas and Allianz.