OCTOBER 3, 2016 FAST FACTS Germany (Deutschland) is a country in Central Western Europe. It is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea; to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic; to the south by Austria and Switzerland; and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. With 82.17 million inhabitants, it is the most populous member state of the European Union, and second most popular human migration destination after the United States. Full Name: Federal Republic of Germany Capital: Berlin (also the largest city) Other Major Cities: Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Dresden, Leipzig, Frankfurt Government: Federal Parliamentary Republic President (Head of State): Joachim Gauck Chancellor (Head of Government): Angela Merkel Reunification of Germany (National Day): October 3, 1990 Anthem: Das Lied der Deutschen (The Song of the Germans) Area: Total 357,168 sq km (137,847 sq mi) Population: 82,175,700 (2015 estimate) GDP (PPP): Total $3.371 trillion (2015 estimate) Currency: Euro 1 Euro = 74.69 Indian Rupees National Flower: Blue Cornflower (Knapweed) Official Bird & Animal: Eagle Time Zone: GMT +1 Internet TLD: .de and .eu Calling Code:+49 Driving: On the right ADVERTORIAL N amaste and Guten Tag, friends and readers of The Indian Express and The Financial Express. Today, on 3rd October 2016, Germany celebrates its National Day. For Germany, this day is a historic day. The date is deeply engraved in our memories. It was a day of overwhelming national joy and a day of great significance and impact on the development of contemporary history. The opening of the border between East and West Germany almost a year before, on 9th November 1989, and the subsequent reunification of the country on 3rd October 1990 were the beginning of a new era for Germany as well as its international relations. Germany is located in the heart of Europe. Its 357,000 sq km offer a home to about 82 million people. The country is the fourth largest economy by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in the world and one of the global leaders in many industrial and technological sectors. A qualified and productive workforce, a globally sought after health care system, environmental protection and first class education and research at universities and institutions of higher education sustain the very high standard of living in Germany. Known not only for its economic prowess but also for its rich cultural history, Germany has been continuously the home of influential artists, philosophers, musicians, sportspeople, entrepreneurs, scientists and inventors. India and Germany share a long history of friendship and cooperation. The bilateral relations are founded on common democratic principles and marked by trust and mutual respect. Many meetings between Indian and German officials, civil society, and an ever increasing number of students, businessmen and women, as well as tourists going to Germany and India respectively are proof of this. Contacts are especially close and fruitful in the economic sector. In the 69 years since India’s independence, Europe, and Germany in particular, has become an important partner in the fields of trade, cooperation, innovation and technology transfer. In 2015, Indian exports to Germany moved up by 7.1 per cent to reach 7.5 bn Euros; and German exports to India increased by 9.3 per cent totalling 9.7 bn Euros. Today, around 1,800 German companies and altogether more than 3,200 corporations in India create thousands of jobs. Many of them, especially bigger German companies have been here for a long time, but small and medium sized enterprises, the ‘hidden champions’ of the booming German economy, are catching up. Besides cooperation in the high technology, infrastructure and energy sectors, Germany and India are consolidating and extending their relations in the field of science and research as well. Exchange programmes of academics and students from both countries are supported and funded. Since 2012, the number of Indian students in Germany has doubled to 12,000. More and more young Indians are aware of Germany as a place for affordable academic excellence. Germany is cooperating with the ‘Skill India’ initiative to bring to India our successful dual educational system for qualified workers. The vital and vibrant partnership between India and Germany has been and will continue to be mutually beneficial for both our countries. With this thought, I wish you an enjoyable read of this feature. Dr. Jürgen Morhard Consul General of Germany in Mumbai MESSAGE E ven as you sift through the pages of this report whilst sipping on your morning tea, the people of Germany will arise to commemorate the anniversary of the German Unification. It’s been just over a quarter of a century since ‘East’ and ‘West’ Germany reunited. History reminds us how after the end of World War II, Germany was split into the Federal Republic of Germany (FDR) – also known as West Germany, and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) – also referred to as East Germany, which was a Soviet Union-controlled state during the Cold War period. In 1961, this split was manifested by the 155 kilometre Berlin Wall, which didn’t just stretch through Berlin, as the name might suggest, but through the entire country, separating entire families for decades. West Berlin however remained outside the jurisdiction of the GDR. A revolution in the GDR eventually led to the ‘Fall of the Wall’. On November 9, 1989, the checkpoints between the two countries were opened and people were allowed to travel freely. The following year, free elections were held, which resulted in the GDR being dissolved and Germany officially reuniting on October 3, 1990. If you happen to be in Europe around this time, it would be worth your while to be at anyplace in Germany on October 3. Incidentally, German Unity Day is the only public holiday under federal law. And although the day may not be marked with gigantic, colourful displays including fireworks and military parades as the Fourth of July festivities in the USA, or our very own Independence Day celebrations back home, one cannot miss the grandeur of the occasion. Explains German student Andrea Schneider: “Reunification Day is definitely an occasion for joy and celebration, but not for a state to put itself on display as it is linked to a moment in German history.” Each year a different city gets to host the national celebrations. In the city of Frankfurt (which is the most important financial centre of the European continent and a global hub for commerce, culture, education, tourism and traffic), traditionally, each year since 1990, major celebrations take place in the Upper House of the German Parliament. In Bonn, the former provisional capital of West Germany during the time of the Iron Curtain, German Unity Day is often observed over three days of festivity. Düsseldorf, Hanover, Leipzig and other German cities ring in the day in their own unique way, with cultural events, music and dance performances, picnics and community meals. Berlin however is, quite understandably, the focal point of the festivities, where thousands congregate at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. The festival’s entertainment programme generally includes a host of activities suitable for families, including horseback riding, a big giant wheel that offers great views over the Tiergarten, dice games, merry-go-rounds, stage shows, karaoke performances, beer gardens, street parties and other fairground attractions, which ensure everyone’s enthralled. Another traditional attraction is horse racing at the Hoppegarten Racetrack in Karlshorst, where the winner receives the ‘Westminster Award of German Unity’. Today, Germany is a great power and has the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, as well as the fifth-largest by PPP. As a global leader in several industrial and technological sectors, it is one of the world’s largest exporter and importer of goods. Germany is a developed country with a very high standard of living sustained by a skilled and productive society. It upholds a social security and universal health care system, environmental protection and a tuition-free university education. Germany was a founding member of the European Union in 1993. It is part of the Schengen Area, and became a co-founder of the Eurozone in 1999. Germany is a member of the United Nations, NATO, the G8, the G20, and the OECD. The national military expenditure is among the top 10 in the world. Known for its rich cultural history, Germany has continuously been the home of influential artists, philosophers, musicians, sportspeople, entrepreneurs, scientists and inventors. Even so, it is pertinent to note that Germany has gained a higher profile as a place to do business, to study, or to visit, thanks mainly to the remarkable resurgence of Berlin, one of the most fascinating and exciting cities in Europe. From a walled city, it has well and truly metamorphosed into a world city. But having said that, the appeal of reunified Germany is not limited to the capital! A MOMENTOUS JOURNEY FROM WALLED CITY TO WORLD CITY
Transcript
october 3, 2016
fast facts
Germany (Deutschland) is a country in Central Western Europe. It is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea; to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic; to the south by Austria and Switzerland; and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. With 82.17 million inhabitants, it is the most populous member state of the European Union, and second most popular human migration destination after the United States.
Full Name: Federal Republic of GermanyCapital: Berlin (also the largest city)Other Major Cities: Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Dresden, Leipzig, FrankfurtGovernment: Federal Parliamentary RepublicPresident (Head of State): Joachim GauckChancellor (Head of Government): Angela Merkel Reunification of Germany (National Day): October 3, 1990Anthem: Das Lied der Deutschen (The Song of the Germans)Area: Total 357,168 sq km (137,847 sq mi)Population: 82,175,700 (2015 estimate) GDP (PPP): Total $3.371 trillion (2015 estimate) Currency: Euro 1 Euro = 74.69 Indian RupeesNational Flower: Blue Cornflower (Knapweed)Official Bird & Animal: EagleTime Zone: GMT +1Internet TLD: .de and .euCalling Code:+49Driving: On the right
advertorial
Namaste and Guten Tag, friends and readers of The Indian Express and The Financial Express.
Today, on 3rd October 2016, Germany celebrates its National Day. For Germany, this day is a historic day. The date is deeply engraved in our memories. It was a day of overwhelming national joy and a day of great significance and impact on the development of contemporary history. The opening of the border between East and West Germany almost a year before, on 9th November 1989, and the subsequent reunification of the country on 3rd October 1990 were the beginning of a new era for Germany as well as its international relations.
Germany is located in the heart of Europe. Its 357,000 sq km offer a home to about 82 million people. The country is the fourth largest economy by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in the world and one of the global leaders in many industrial and technological sectors. A qualified and productive workforce, a globally sought after health care system, environmental protection and first class education and research at universities and institutions of higher education sustain the very high standard of living in Germany. Known not only for its economic prowess but also for its rich cultural history, Germany has been continuously the home of influential artists, philosophers, musicians, sportspeople, entrepreneurs, scientists and inventors.
India and Germany share a long history of friendship and cooperation. The bilateral relations are founded on common democratic principles and marked by trust and mutual respect. Many meetings between Indian and German officials, civil society, and an ever increasing number of students, businessmen and women, as well as tourists going to Germany and India respectively are proof of this.
Contacts are especially close and fruitful in the economic sector. In the 69 years since India’s independence, Europe, and Germany in particular, has become an important partner in the fields of trade, cooperation, innovation and technology transfer. In 2015, Indian exports to Germany moved up by 7.1 per cent to reach 7.5 bn Euros; and German exports to India increased by 9.3 per cent totalling 9.7 bn Euros. Today, around 1,800 German companies and altogether more than 3,200 corporations in India create thousands of jobs. Many of them, especially bigger German companies have been here for a long time, but small and medium sized enterprises, the ‘hidden champions’ of the booming German economy, are catching up.
Besides cooperation in the high technology, infrastructure and energy sectors, Germany and India are consolidating and extending their relations in the field of science and research as well. Exchange programmes of academics and students from both countries are supported and funded. Since 2012, the number of Indian students in Germany has doubled to 12,000. More and more young Indians are aware of Germany as a place for affordable academic excellence. Germany is cooperating with the ‘Skill India’ initiative to bring to India our successful dual educational system for qualified workers.
The vital and vibrant partnership between India and Germany has been and will continue to be mutually beneficial for both our countries. With this thought, I wish you an enjoyable read of this feature.
Dr. Jürgen Morhard Consul General of Germany in Mumbai
MESSAGE
Even as you sift through the pages of this report whilst sipping on your morning tea, the people of Germany will arise to commemorate the anniversary
of the German Unification. It’s been just over a quarter of a century since ‘East’ and ‘West’ Germany reunited. History reminds us how after the end of World War II, Germany was split into the Federal Republic of Germany (FDR) – also known as West Germany, and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) – also referred to as East Germany, which was a Soviet Union-controlled state during the Cold War period. In 1961, this split was manifested by the 155 kilometre Berlin Wall, which didn’t just stretch through Berlin, as the name might suggest, but through the entire country, separating entire families for decades. West Berlin however remained outside the jurisdiction of the GDR. A revolution in the GDR eventually led to the ‘Fall of the Wall’. On November 9, 1989, the checkpoints between the two countries were opened and people were allowed to travel freely. The following year, free elections were held, which resulted in the GDR being dissolved and Germany officially reuniting on October 3, 1990.
If you happen to be in Europe around this time, it would be worth your while to be at anyplace in Germany on October 3. Incidentally, German Unity Day is the only public holiday under federal law. And although the day may not be
marked with gigantic, colourful displays including fireworks and military parades as the Fourth of July festivities in the USA, or our very own Independence Day celebrations back home, one cannot miss the grandeur of the occasion. Explains German student Andrea Schneider: “Reunification Day is definitely an occasion for joy and celebration, but not for a state to put itself on display as it is linked to a moment in German history.”
Each year a different city gets to host the national celebrations. In the city of Frankfurt (which is the most important financial centre of the European continent and a global hub for commerce, culture, education, tourism and traffic), traditionally, each year since 1990, major celebrations take place in the Upper House of the German Parliament. In Bonn, the former provisional capital of West Germany during the time of the Iron Curtain, German Unity Day is often observed over three days of festivity. Düsseldorf, Hanover, Leipzig and other German cities ring in the day in their own unique way, with cultural events, music and dance performances, picnics and community meals.
Berlin however is, quite understandably, the focal point of the festivities, where thousands congregate at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. The festival’s entertainment programme generally includes a host of activities suitable for families, including horseback
riding, a big giant wheel that offers great views over the Tiergarten, dice games, merry-go-rounds, stage shows, karaoke performances, beer gardens, street parties and other fairground attractions, which ensure everyone’s enthralled. Another traditional attraction is horse racing at the Hoppegarten Racetrack in Karlshorst, where the winner receives the ‘Westminster Award of German Unity’.
Today, Germany is a great power and has the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, as well as the fifth-largest by PPP. As a global leader in several industrial and technological sectors, it is one of the world’s largest exporter and importer of goods. Germany is a developed country with a very high standard of living sustained by a skilled and productive society. It upholds a social security and universal health care system, environmental protection and a tuition-free university education.
Germany was a founding member of the European Union in 1993. It is part of the Schengen Area, and became a co-founder of the Eurozone in 1999. Germany is a member of the United Nations, NATO, the G8, the G20, and the OECD. The national military expenditure is among the top 10 in the world. Known for its rich cultural history, Germany has continuously been the home of influential artists, philosophers, musicians, sportspeople, entrepreneurs, scientists and inventors.
Even so, it is pertinent to note that Germany has gained a higher profile as a place to do business, to study, or to visit, thanks mainly to the remarkable resurgence of Berlin, one of the most fascinating and exciting cities in Europe. From a walled city, it has well and truly metamorphosed into a world city.
But having said that, the appeal of reunified Germany is not limited to the capital!
a MoMentous
JourneyfroM Walled city to World city
Information about education in Germany is becoming more and more widespread in India. Consequently, the number of Indian students in Germany has
been growing rapidly. With this, there has also been an increase in the number of students seeking genuine information regarding admission and life in Germany.
Says Apoorv Mahendru, Director-Marketing of the Regional Office of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in New Delhi: “Indian student mobility in Germany is indeed on the rise. Germany has seen a record growth in the number of Indians studying at its universities. The enrolment of Indian students in Germany has more than doubled in the last five years. Today they form the second largest group of international students enrolled at German universities.”
The latest figures released by the German Federal Statistical Office reveal that the number of Indian students in Germany has grown by 15.8% over last year and stands at 13,740 for the Winter Semester 2015-16.
A majority of Indian students going to Germany opt for programmes in the STEM i.e.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics related subject fields. Engineering with 72% is the most sought after field, followed by Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Sharing her experience as a Master’s student of Communication Engineering in Germany, Mrunmayi Parchure says, “Along with the precision and progress in Science and Technology, the excellent education system and the independence to express your own thoughts and ideas makes Germany a great place to study and work.”
The exceptional industry exposure that students get while still pursuing their studies is seen as a tremendous value addition by the Indian student community.
As a matter of fact, in recent years Germany has emerged as a top destination of higher education. International students account for over 12% of the student population in Germany. It is a favoured destination for students because it offers International Programmes taught in English medium, excellent quality of education and research at no or low tuition fees, promising career opportunities and above all a
vibrant social and cultural milieu.Sachit Varma, who studied at
the University of Ulm in the city famous as the birthplace of Albert Einstein, has an interesting sums it up nicely. “A very international environment, wide spectrum to choose focus-areas, state-of-the-art research capabilities, breath-taking landscapes and an ever strengthening economy only add the icing to the foundational cake of what this delightful country has to offer to the aspirants waiting to grow and feed their academic appetite,” he says.
While the number of international students on the university campus is surely be a good indicator of the high quality of education being offered, it is not the only one. It is cooperation with excellent institutions of education and research across the world that is the key to both achieving and maintaining excellence. Scientific and technological progress thrives on cooperation and the exchange of ideas.
Indo-German Academic Exchange Germany and India have a long standing tradition of bilateral cooperation. The DAAD Regional
Office in New Delhi has been promoting Indo-German academic collaboration between India and Germany since 1960.DAAD provides information about higher education and research in Germany. It administers a large variety of scholarships for outstanding scholars, post-docs, faculty and senior researchers from both India and Germany. It also offers a wide range of institutional and cooperation based funding programmes.
Recently the two countries have embarked upon yet another exciting journey of cooperation through the Indo-German Partnership in Higher Education Programme with each investing 3.5 million Euro each over a period of four years from 2016-2020 to encourage and support cooperation between higher education institutions. Every year the DAAD provides about 1500 merit-based scholarships across all subject fields to students and scholars from India to study and research in Germany. A wide range of funding schemes is available at all career levels, right from students to mid-career researchers or established scientists and academicians.
InternatIonal StudentS In Germanyyear total
StudentsInternational Students
% International Students
2009-10 2,121,190 244,776 11.50%
2010-11 2,217,604 252,032 11.40%
2011-12 2,380,974 265,292 11.10%
2012-13 2,499,409 282,201 11.30%
2013-14 2,613,168 300,909 11.50%
2014-15 2,698,910 321,569 11.91%
2015-16 2,757,799 340,305 12.34%
Preferred SubjectS of IndIan StudentS In Germany
Subject field Students %
Engineering Sciences 9,882 71.92%
Mathematics, Natural Sciences 1,674 12.18%
Law, Economics and Social Sciences
1,302 9.48%
Human Medicine 282 2.05%
Language and Cultural Sciences 257 1.87%
Agriculture, Forestry, Food Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
230 1.67%
Art/Art Studies, Music and Sports Sciences
74 0.54%
Others 39 0.28%
total 13,740 100.00%
dId you KnoW?• Germanyisthethird
most popular country for international students after the USA and UK.
• Internationalstudentsconstitute 12.34% of the total number of studentsinGermany.
• ThenumberofIndianstudentsinGermanyhas more than doubled inthepastfiveyears.
• Indiansformthe2nd largest group of international students enrolledatGermanuniversities.
Indo-German bilateral cooperation in the field of science and technology dates back to the 1950s. A number of German funding organisations, research institutions and universities
have established their offices in India to encourage and facilitate academic exchange, scientific collaboration and R&D projects. The German House for Research and Innovation (DWIH) set up in New Delhi in order to give a fillip to these is now completing its fourth successful year.
“The year 2016 has seen a host of events organised by the consortium members of the DWIH in cooperation with Indian institutions, very much in keeping with the aim of the DWIH New Delhi to forge and strengthen the ties between the two countries”, say Heike Mock, Chairperson, DWIH and Director, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).
The DWIH New Delhi has recently
concluded a very successful Indo-German conference ‘CityScapes 2016’. Experts from both countries shared their thoughts on crucial themes such as Smart Energy & Construction, Impact of Urbanisation on Environment, Migration, Privacy& Security in Urban Spaces etc. from the technological and socio-political perspectives.
The Falling Walls Lab India 2016 organised by DWIH for budding researchers and entrepreneurs saw young talent competing for a chance to represent India at the prestigious international Falling Walls Conference in Germany.
The Indo-German Dialogue on Industry-Academia Cooperation, scheduled for November 10, 2016, in partnership with Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, is yet another initiative of the DWIH to bring together the stakeholders for high end research and innovation.
IndIan StudentS’ enrolmentS In German un IverSItIeS
up more than 100%ForagrowingnumberofIndianstudents,Germanyisrapidlyemergingasa
individuals Students Research scholars Academicians and
scientists Alumni• Project&cooperation
basedprogrammes Higher education
institutions Research institutions
Indian student mobilityinGermanyis
indeedontherise.GermanyhasseenarecordgrowthinthenumberofIndians studying at itsuniversities.TheenrolmentofIndianstudentsinGermanyhasmorethandoubledinthelastfiveyears.Todaytheyformthesecondlargestgroupofinternational students enrolledatGermanuniversities.
Law in Hamburg. While the programme was great in itself, the preliminary language course in Berlin made the Germanexperienceveryenjoyable
and memorable indeed. As awardees of theDr.AngelaMerkel-Jawaharlal Nehru scholarship, we got the wonderful chance to meet Frau Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel attheGerman
Chancellery and interact with important policy-makers. As part of my course at Hamburg,Iimbibedknowledgeabout
European and international law, and also interned with one of the best law firmsglobally.Thecurriculumwasverywell-roundedandreallybroadensone’sperspectiveonlawandinternationalaffairs.ItisnotjustwhatonestudiesinGermanythatstayswiththembutalso the little habits one inculcates like punctuality, attention to detail and theimpetustothinkandinnovate.ThepeopleinGermanyareveryhelpfuland honest, and to my understanding, whatmakesthesystemsoefficientisthe consciousness among the people, who are willing and eager to follow the law and good practices. Another thing thatmakeslivinginGermanyajoyrideis the public transport system where everythingiswell-planned,commuter-friendlyandsafe.Germanyhasonoffersomethingforeveryone-picturesque
beauty,historicalsites,exquisitefood,invitingChristmasmarkets,andofcourse, world-class study and research facilities.Itisaplacethatstaysinyourheart, no matter which corner of the world you may be in.
–AnujayaKrishnaMasterDegree–Law
Europa-KollegHamburg,UniversityofHamburg
IamcurrentlypursuingmyPhD.attheMax-Planck-InstitutfürEisenforschunginDüsseldorf.MyresearchisintheMetal Physics area of Material Science. IfoundmywaytoDüsseldorfaftercompletingmyMastersatRWTHAachenUniversity.Apartfromwork,Iamascienceslammer,amusicianandanavidsculler-beingpartoftheRWTHAachenUniversityrowingteam.Togetawayfromthegruellingworkschedule(yesmyworkisphysicallyandmentallyverydemanding),Ioftencycle away - sometimes all the way toanotherregion,evenintoanothercountry.Germanyisagreatplace,not
justforcuttingedge technology and world-class products.Ithaslotmoretoofferlikemusic, philosophy, history. Some of the greatest minds shaped the course of human civilization.NottospeakoftheimpeccableetiquetteoftheGermanpeople,bothinprivateand public space, and their fetish for perfection,ineverythingtheydo.Andforthoseofyou,whothinkGermansareseriouspeople,joinmeduringtheCarnivals.You’llbesurprisedhowfun-lovingtheyare!
–AniruddhaDuttaPhDDegree–MaterialScience(Metal
Physics)RWTHAachenUniversity
Anarchitectbytraining,Ipursuedmy post-graduation in a state-
of-the-art course about Resource
EfficiencyfromHamburg,GermanyaidedbytheDAADprogram.Academically,theenvironmentwasverymeticulousyetitamelioratedmypassionandindividualisticapproach.Literallyliving-inandvisitingefficientexamplesofplanning,sustainabledevelopmentandevenarchitecture enhanced my perception towards method and intricacies whilesimultaneouslystrivingtowardsprecision regardless of the scale of projects.Thechallengeofdealingwithinreal-lifeprojectsfurtherbolsteredtheexperience.Belongingtoacomparativelyconservativetown,thetimespentinGermanyofferedastrikingcomparisonbetweenwhatIhadknownasopposedtowhatexistedinanotherpartoftheworld.Itnotonlymademeprogressivetowardseducation, profession, personal developmentbutalsoendorsedmeto challenge and be challenged about my professional as well as personal opinionsonalmosteverything.Throughthetimespentthereandtravelling
around Europe and UK,Igotexposureto new languages, diversefood,culture and people fromdifferentnationalities culminating in a life-time worth of memories andinvaluableexperience.Additionally,attendingtheDAADannualmeetingspresentedunparalleled opportunities for networking along with insight into experiencesoffellowmembers.Thoughfarfromsatiated,Ireturnedequippedwithexperiences,memoriesand a whole lot of friends. Although theachievementsandexperienceslistedabovearebutafractionofthewhole,yetIhopeitwillencouragepeople in future to pursue their dreamswithoutreserve.
–AparajitaDubeyMasterDegree–Architecture&Planning
HafenCityUniversitätHamburg
WHat IndIan StudentS are SayInG…
Indo-German CooperatIon Inresearch & Innovation
Heike Mock, Chairperson, DWIH & Director, DAAD
about daadDAAD(‘DeutscherAkademischerAustauschDienst’,whichwhentranslatedmeans‘GermanAcademicExchangeService’)isajointorganisationofGermaninstitutionsofhighereducationandstudentbodies.TheaimofDAADisto promote academic cooperation worldwide, especially throughtheexchangeofstudents,scholars,academics,andscientists.Indevelopingcountries,theDAADisactivelyengagedinpromotingacademiccooperation.Being a renowned and long established institution in the realmofhighleveleducationonaninternationalbasisitfeaturesanimpressivenetworkofAlumnis.TheregionalofficeofDAADinIndiaisbasedinNewDelhi.Establishedin1960,itpromotesacademicexchangebetweenGermanyandIndia,Bangladesh,Bhutan,Nepal,SriLanka.Itsupportsacademiciansandscientistsinfulfillingtheiracademicandscientificpursuitsbyprovidingfinancialassistance.DAADisfundedbytheFederalRepublicofGermanyandisfunctioningasanofficialagencyinaccordancewiththeCulturalagreementbetweenGermanyandIndiaofMarch1969.TheDAADprovidesinformationabouteducationinGermany,grantsscholarshipstostudents,invitesscientistsfromIndia,Bangladesh,Bhutan,NepalandSriLankatoGermanyaswellasthosefromGermanyto these countries, and supports bilateral research projects.DAADalsohasanInformationCentreinPuneandanInformationPointinMumbai.
about dWIHDeutscheWissenschafts–undInnovationshäuser(DWIH),orTheGermanHouseforResearchandInnovation,asitisknownas,istheresult of increasing cooperation betweenGermanandIndianacademicandscientificcommunities.TheGermanGovernment,withthesupportoftheFederalForeignOfficeandtheFederalMinistry of Education and Research, to intensify international cooperation, hassetuptheDWIHinfivecountriesaroundtheworld.FourofthesehavebeenestablishedinSãoPaulo(Brazil),Moscow(Russia),NewYork(USA)andTokyo(Japan).ThefifthhasbeensetupinNewDelhi(India)asthe‘GermanHouseforResearchandInnovation’.TheDWIHinNewDelhiservesasa‘one-stopshop’forinterestedstudents, researchers and potential partner institutions, and disseminate information about higher education inGermany,researchlandscapeandfundingsources.Itpromotesandfacilitatesbilateralprojectsinhighereducation, language, science, research andinnovation.
NürnbergMesse IndiaOne of the 15 largest exhibition companies in the world, the NürnbergMesse Group has entered the Indian market as part of its corporate strategy by launching shows on niche and very important themes in fields such as the organic food sector, bulk processing industry and fenestration industry, for which it organises BIOFACH India, Powder & Bulk Solids India, Fensterbau Frontale India, Paint India, Alucast, ACREX India, Fire & Security India Expo and HPCI-CCC India.NürnbergMesse has contributed its expertise to organising shows on selected topics in India at a time when the Indian industry is geared up and interested in participating in special-interest shows rather than generic exhibitions. As the Indian arm of the Group, NürnbergMesse India assists and supports Indian companies in expanding their business into global markets and German companies into the Indian market. Another important part of its business is managing and operating Indian Pavilions overseas, e.g. at BIOFACH and Chillventa, as well as supporting Indian clients participating in its trade shows overseas.
The moment of commissioning is something quite special for every
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FIRST CHOICE BUSINESS LOCATIONErnst & Young’s ‘European Attractiveness Survey 2015’ confirms Germany’s reputation as one of the most attractive business locations in the world. International decision makers ranked Germany first within the EU, and third worldwide in the “most attractive business location” category. A substantial 42 per cent of the 800 plus international managers surveyed consider Germany to be Western Europe’s foreign direct investment (FDI) magnet.
The AmCham Business Barometer 2015 highlights the positive regard in which US companies active in Germany hold the country. Asked
about their opinion on the German business environment, 90 per cent of US company respondents expressed satisfaction. Sixty-six per cent are convinced that Germany will either improve or maintain its competitive edge in the future.
FREE AND OPEN MARKETSGermany has a welcoming attitude towards FDI. The German market is open for investment in practically all industry sectors, and business activities are free from regulations restricting day-to-day business. German law makes no distinction between Germans and foreign nationals regarding investments or
the establishment of companies. The legal framework for FDI in Germany favours the principle of freedom of foreign trade and payment. There are no restrictions or barriers to capital transactions or currency transfers, real estate purchases, repatriation of profits, or access to foreign exchanges.
SUPPORTING INVESTMENT PROJECTSIncentives in Germany are designed to meet the immediate capital needs of investors. Early stage investment financing provides funding at the beginning of the new investment project. These incentives, mostly provided as cash grants, are important as they guarantee liquidity at a stage in the investment process when investor capital requirements are typically high.
Later stage investment incentives are made available in the form of a raft of programs created to support putting together a workforce in Germany (e.g. through wage subsidies) and provide generous R&D project assistance. Incentives in Germany are available to all investors – regardless of investor country of provenance. Funding to the tune of more than 19 billion has been freed up by the EU (co-financed using means obtained from German federal and federal state budgets) for the period 2014 to 2020. As well as this, Germany and its individual federal states also make their own incentives funds available to prospective investors.
GLOBAL FDI MAGNETAccording to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Germany ranks among the world’s leading countries for foreign direct investments with EUR 612 billion in inward FDI stocks in 2014. This represents a growth of 174 per cent since 2000.
According to official Bundesbank (German Central Bank) statistics for 2013, 56 per cent of all FDI stocks in Germany originate from within the EU; with a further 7 per cent derived from the remaining European non-EU countries. Investments from outside the EU continue to grow. North America accounts for 21 per cent of FDI stock, while Asia holds a 10 per cent share.
Worldwide trade shows in Germany hold a two-third share of the leading international trade shows being held at their fairgrounds. In particular, the high percentage of more than
50 per cent of foreign exhibitors manifests the outstanding position of trade shows in Germany. Regarding foreign visitors, the proportion of visitors from abroad to trade shows in Germany is about 30 per cent. As the major trade shows of most business sectors take place in Germany, it is an advantage for German companies, as for them it is easier to attend these trade shows and to establish and strengthen international ties there. Also the turnover of the most relevant trade shows in Germany verifies the outstanding position of trade shows in Germany on an international level.
Among the top 10 fair places worldwide are five German trade show organizers –Messe Frankfurt, Messe Düsseldorf, Messe Köln, Messe Hannover and Messe München. Moreover, four German venues are among the biggest trade show venues in the world: Hannover Messe, Frankfurt Messe, Köln Messe and Düsseldorf Messe. In total, international and national trade shows in Germany take place at 22 different venues. These venues where trade shows in Germany are held, offer a mindboggling exhibiting space of 2.76 million square metres for international trade shows and events.
GERMANyA Trailblazer In TRADE SHOwS
A StroNg INdIAN FootprINt
Messe Frankfurt IndiaA subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, one of the largest event organisers in the world, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd. has introduced some of these world renowned trade fairs to India while constantly implementing newer strategies to fortify buyer-seller engagement and creating more globalised platforms.Today, Messe Frankfurt has established itself as a formidable player within the Indian exhibition industry over the last decade, managing 22 prestigious B2B trade fairs in India.The Indian subsidiary introduced a number of famed international events in the country like ACMA Automechanika New Delhi, Ambiente India, Heimtextil India, Techtextil India, Light India, SPS Automation India, Control India, Motek India and Secutech India which are renowned in their respective sectors. The growth continued with the acquisition of Automotive Engineering Show, LED Expo, Media Expo and more recently the Indian International Elevators and Escalators Expo. The company is now venturing into the building technology segment and has announced the launch of Electrical Building Technology India and ISH India powered by IPA this year.
Ease Of Doing Business IsA BIG MAGNET FOR INVESTORS
AMCHAM BUSINESS BAroMEtEr 2015American business executives highlighted the following five factors as thetop location advantages that distinguish Germany from its competitors.• Skilled workers• Supply chain networks• Research & Development• Infrastructure• Market potential
Source: American Chamber of Commerce Germany, Roland Berger Strategy
Consultants 2015
It’s Europe's largest market, a global leader in innovation, and a whole lot more. Here’s why Germany is the right destination for your precious investment...
1. Leading EconomyGermany is Europe's economic engine. Investors profit from the economic performance of the world's fourth largest economy. Germany also offers a large domestic market and easy access to growing markets in the enlarged European Union.
2. Global PlayerGermany is the world’s number three exporter, neck and neck with China and the US after six years at the top spot. And with EUR 469 billion FDI, Germany also proved
to be an investment magnet and one of the top regions for foreign investors.
3. High ProductivityOne of the highest productivity rates in the world, German quality, and steadily decreasing unit labour costs are the decisive factors for Germany’s competitiveness. A series of social and market reforms have further contributed to Germany's continued economic growth to make it one of Europe’s most cost-effective production locations.
4. Excellent workforceGermany’s world class education system ensures the highest standards. 81 per cent of the German population have been trained to university entrance level or possess a
recognised vocational qualification – above the OECD average of 67 per cent. An investor friendly social-market economy promotes stable labour relations.
5. Innovative PowerGermany is Europe's number one location for research. German R&D is backed by billions of Euros in annual federal funds, helping to make Germany the world's leader in innovation. It’s this commitment which also makes Germany Europe's leading patent applicant and the leading global force in high-tech solutions.
6. First Class InfrastructureLocated at the heart of Europe, Germany is Europe's number one logistics
market. A sophisticated energy and communications infrastructure and first-class transportation networks ensure on-time delivery and short roads to success.
7. Inviting IncentivesGermany provides attractive incentives to all investors. A comprehensive range of programs support the broad spectrum of business activities at all stages of the investment process. Support ranges from cash incentives for the reimbursement of direct investment costs to incentives for labour and R&D.
8. Competitive Tax ConditionsGermany has significantly reduced its corporate tax levels. A far-reaching reform of company taxation is helping companies invest, and secure new business. The Federal Government’s raft of reforms to improve the general tax framework and keep indirect labour costs down are opening doors of
opportunity to ever more investors.
9. Secure Investment FrameworkHighly developed economic and political frameworks provide the necessary security for your business investment. Germany’s judiciary and civil service institutions are professionally regulated to ensure consistently excellent service. Contractual agreements are secure and intellectual property is strictly protected.
10. Quality Of LifeGermany is a modern, tolerant, and cosmopolitan society with an excellent standard of living. Superior health and education provision, endless opportunities for sports and recreation in its beautiful landscape, and a vibrant cultural scene are just some of the reasons why more than seven million foreigners have made their homes in Germany.
10 GOOD REASONS TO INVEST IN GERMANy
Germany is regarded as one of the most attractive business locations in the world. A welcoming attitude towards FDI ensures that the German market is open for investment in practically all industry sectors
ImagInatIonBeauty Beyond
Castles and cathedrals; alpine mountains and dense forests; medieval towns and centuries-old traditions – Germany’s got it all to mesmerise even the most jaded traveller...
1. Brandenburg GateNo other monument in Berlin is as well-known internationally as the Brandenburg Gate. Built in the 18th century, this neoclassical structure is a signature attraction and symbol of German reunification. It represents the past and present of the German capital in exemplary fashion. Measuring an imposing 26-meters in height (including the spectacular four-
horse chariot perched atop), its six huge columns on each side of the structure form five impressive passages: four were used by regular traffic, while the centre was reserved for the royal carriages. Huge Doric columns also decorate the two buildings at each side of the Gate, once used by toll-collectors and guards. It is regarded as one of the most famous landmarks in Europe.
2. Neuschwanstein CastleA perfect picture postcard, Neuschwanstein is the most photographed building in the country. Situated on a rugged hill in the old town of Füssen, in southwest Bavaria, this fairy-tale castle was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castles in various Disneyland parks. This many-towered and battlement-covered fantasy fortress was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria who was didn’t live to see it opened in 1886, but his castle is now one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions.. For visitors today, a variety of tour options are offered, including guided tours of the sumptuous interior taking in the Throne Room, the Singers’ Hall, and some of the country’s most spectacular views.
3. Cologne CathedralEasily the greatest Gothic cathedral in Germany,
Cologne Cathedral has been the city’s most famous landmark for centuries. Construction began in 1248
and took, with interruptions, more than 600 years to complete. It is dedicated to the saints Peter and Mary
and is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne. Its magnificent interior covers an area of 6,166 square
meters and boasts 56 huge pillars. Above the high altar is the Reliquary of the Three Kings, a 12th-century work
of art in gold to house the relics of the Three Kings brought here from Milan. When it was finally finished in 1880, it was considered the world’s largest building.
Nowadays six million people a year visit Cologne Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Travel journals the world over rate Germany as one of the most fascinating places to visit on the planet. And the growing footfalls year-on-year only seem confirm the fact. History, culture, and
natural beauty perhaps best describe the essence of vacationing in Germany. If you have time on your hands on your next trip to Deutschland, here are some attractions that you’d do well not to miss.
4. Black ForestThe beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in Europe. In the southwestern corner of Germany and extending 160 kilometers from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, it’s a hiker’s heaven. On the west side, it descends steeply to the Rhine crossed by lush valleys, while on the east it slopes more gently down to the upper Neckar and Danube valleys. Popular spots include Germany’s oldest ski area at Todtnau, the magnificent spa facilities of Baden-Baden, and the attractive resort of Bad Liebenzell. Other highlights include the spectacular Black Forest Railway centered on Triberg with its famous falls, and Triberg itself, home to the Black Forest Open Air Museum.
5. The Island of RügenSeparated from the mainland by the Strelasund and linked to the
mainland town of Stralsund by a causeway, Rügen is the largest and most beautiful of the German Baltic islands. Its beauty stems
from its diversity of landscape, including everything from flat farmland and forest-covered hills to expansive sandy beaches,
lagoons, and lovely peninsulas. Highlights of a visit include the Jasmund Peninsula, reaching heights of 161 meters, and the
beautiful Stubnitz beech forests, which come to a dramatic end on the Königsstuhl where a sheer chalk cliff plunges down to the sea from a height of 118 meter (387 feet). Another must see is the little old resort town of Putbus, seat of the Princes of Putbus and with
