Oslo: Join the "Make in India" initiative of the new Indian government was the message from President Pranab Mukherjee to Norwegian companies as he invited investors and entrepreneurs to explore possibilities of investment in India's infrastructure sector.
"We welcome foreign direct investments in our railways, roads and ports, power and communications sectors, we invite Norwegian companies to join Indian counterparts in the 'Make in India' initiative of the new government and we are presently simplifying the procedures to facilitate their participation in India's growth story," Mukherjee said at the state banquet hosted by King Harald V and Queen Sonja at the Royal Palace last night.
Asserting that while trade between India and Norway has been expanding but there is significant potential waiting to be realised, he said, "The new government is taking a number of measures to encourage investments, revive the manufacturing sector in India, promote skill development, develop smart cities and engage closely with all interested partners and investors in India and abroad to make this happen".
Enlisting the areas in which India and Norway have a rewarding trade partnership including oil exploration and scientific research, Mukherjee said both the countries are keen to expand the scope of their collaborative efforts in earth sciences, bio-technology, clean energy, fishing and health care.
"I am confident that the bilateral agreements that we have signed will lead to further fruitful engagement in the many fields where India and Norway have obvious complementarities," the president said.
Mukherjee, who is the first Indian head of state to visit the Scandinavian country, congratulated Norway on celebration of the bicentennial of its Constitution and thanked its government for the assistance and support extended to India in establishing its Polar Research Station in Svalbard.
"We are grateful for your endorsement of India's rightful claim to Permanent Membership of the United Nations Security Council and for your proactive efforts that helped India achieve Observer status in the Arctic Council," the president added.
