Maharashtra invites Czech companies to invest in manufacturing, technology and defence sectors

Maharashtra has urged companies from the Czech Republic to invest in the state establish manufacturing facilities and strengthen industrial partnerships through technology transfer as the state seeks to attract investment across sectors ranging from automobile manufacturing to advanced technology and defenceProtocol Minister Jaykumar Rawal appealed at a meeting of Indian and Czech industry representatives organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry CII at Hotel Taj President in Mumbai in the presence of Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade Karel HavlicekRawal said Czech companies should look beyond selling products in India and consider setting up manufacturing units in Maharashtra to build longterm partnerships and contribute to local production and technological developmentHe highlighted the Czech Republics expertise in engineering automobile manufacturing aerospace advanced machinery robotics and scientific research saying these strengths could complement Maharashtras skilled workforce and industrial infrastructureMaharashtra highlights investment opportunities across sectorsRawal said Maharashtra had emerged as a major contributor to Indias economic growth under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis He cited the states industrial capabilities and investment opportunities as key reasons for Czech businesses to expand their presence in IndiaHe highlighted Mumbais position as the countrys financial and commercial hub Punes strengths in automobile manufacturing engineering and technology and Nashiks opportunities in manufacturing aerospace and agriculture Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and other industrial centres across Maharashtra are also witnessing an expansion of manufacturing activities he saidThe minister identified automobile manufacturing engineering industrial automation electric vehicles aerospacerelated production and defence supply chains as key areas for bilateral cooperationHe also urged Czech companies to explore opportunities in artificial intelligence robotics cybersecurity and laser technology with an emphasis on research innovation and the creation of highskilled jobsGreen technology food processing among areas for collaborationRawal said Maharashtra and the Czech Republic could also collaborate in environmentally sustainable technologies recycling waste management energy efficiency agriculture food processing and packaging technologyModern construction architecture and smart building solutions were other areas offering potential for cooperationSuch partnerships could improve productivity promote value addition and create new opportunities for farmers and industries he saidRawal also expressed confidence that the IndiaEuropean Union Free Trade Agreement would open up further avenues for economic cooperation and strengthen business tiesCzech delegation explores Indias industrial potentialCzech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade Karel Havlicek highlighted Indias economic development and growing technological capabilities saying the Czech delegation was visiting the country to explore opportunities for closer cooperationThe delegations visits to Delhi Bengaluru and Mumbai were aimed at understanding Indias political economic and technological strengths and identifying potential areas of collaborationHavlicek said the Czech Republics industrial expertise universities research and development ecosystem and valueadded manufacturing sector were among its key strengthsHe said the Czech Republic was keen to deepen industrial ties with India adding that the IndiaEuropean Union Free Trade Agreement could expand trade and economic cooperation across a market representing more than two billion peopleHavlicek expressed hope that the meeting would strengthen trade investment technology transfer and industrial partnerships between Maharashtra and the Czech RepublicCII calls for joint manufacturing and technology partnershipsCII Western Region Chairman Veer Advani said the IndiaCzech economic partnership was entering a new phase centred on joint manufacturing codevelopment technology partnerships and innovationHe said Maharashtra and western Indias diverse industrial ecosystem offered opportunities for Czech businesses while the Czech Republic could provide Indian companies with connections to European markets manufacturing supply chains and innovation clustersMemorandums of understanding were signed between various industry groups during the meeting with expectations of further strengthening industrial and business cooperation