In April of this year, India won the Cricket World Cup, sealing its spectacular victory at home in front of its own fans. In Germany, the sport that drives people’s passions is football. But India’s favourite sport and Germany’s favourite sport have important characteristics in common: Both are ball sports where tactical planning plays a key role. They are also played in teams and bring excitement to millions of people.

Our economies share many common characteristics as well, despite the geographic distance between our countries and the different economic regions in which we are located. Both India and Germany have enjoyed outstanding success in overcoming the global economic crisis. In bilateral terms, India and Germany share a dynamic strategic partnership. And in international terms, we are working together closely within the G20 to respond effectively to global challenges such as climate change and the financial crisis. For German industry, India is one of the most important markets in Asia – and it is one that possesses tremendous growth potential. All signs indicate that India will continue to take advantage of its economic opportunities in the future.

Last year, bilateral trade between Germany and India exceeded 15 billion euros. Our economies complement each other extremely well. In our bilateral business relations, highly innovative, cutting-edge German technology joins forces with well-educated and highly motivated scientists, engineers and technicians from India. These are ideal conditions for developing the joint solutions that India needs to achieve sustainable growth. India offers excellent business opportunities for small and medium-sized companies in particular, which form the backbone of the German economy.

In 2011-2012, our countries are celebrating a year of “Germany in India”, which features the apt motto: “Germany and India: Infinite Opportunities”. In this context, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology is once again supporting a wide variety of trade fairs and organising numerous business delegations both within and to India in 2011, with the aim of facilitating contacts between entrepreneurs from both countries.

The economic ties between India and Germany hold the seeds for many outstanding possibilities and opportunities. I urge companies in both of our countries to take full advantage of this great potential. This latest edition of the Business Guide Germany India can provide useful assistance in facilitating new business contacts. It provides advice and guidance to everyone who is interested in the intensification of German-Indian economic cooperation.

I would like to express my thanks to the publishers for this valuable information source and for their tireless dedication. And I wish all of you who use this guide the best of success in establishing and solidifying your business ties in India.

Sincerely yours,