New Delhi: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday pledged to invest 1 billion euros over the next five years on environmentally-friendly urban mobility in India.
Merkel, whose visit to the country coincided with one of the worst spells of air pollution in Delhi/NCR, also emphasised on the need to replace diesel-run public transport with electric vehicles. "We have agreed to co-operate on climate protection and green urban mobility and have earmarked 1 billion euros towards this," Merkel said at an event here.
Germany would also put in 200 million euros to reform the bus sector in Tamil Nadu, she added. Touching upon the subject of air pollution in Delhi, Merkel said that looking at the severity of the situation, it would be a good idea to replace diesel buses with electric ones.
Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season on Friday as the pollution level touched the 'severe plus' category, prompting authorities to shut schools till November 5, ban all construction activities and declare a "public heath emergency".
Merkel said that Germany would also like to work with India on various segments including healthcare, agriculture and artificial intelligence.
On Friday, India and Germany agreed to deepen efforts to resume stalled negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU). The negotiations for the pact have been held up since May 2013 as both the sides failed to bridge substantial gaps on crucial issues.
Launched in June 2007, the negotiations for the proposed pact have witnessed many hurdles with both the sides having major differences on key issues like intellectual property rights, duty cut in automobile and spirits, and liberal visa regime. Both the sides also agreed to intensify efforts for an early conclusion of an investment protection agreement between the EU, the EU member states and India.
Meanwhile, India and Germany on Saturday signed signed two major agreements, referred to as the Joint Declaration of Intent, for cooperation in the field of skills development and vocational education.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship signed the Joint Declaration of Intent with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany.
The association will provide a systematic structure for conducting mutual consultations, advisory work and policy exchanges at ministerial and expert levels and provide technical assistance.
This collaboration will help further develop the successful cooperation in the various fields covered by the Indo-German Joint Working Group on Vocational Education and Training.
One declaration of intent (DoI) is with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (referred to as BMBF) for Cooperation in Skill Development and Vocational Education and Training, whereas the second was for Dual VET initiative marking Sustainable Growth of Skills with Siemens Limited, India.
The intended cooperation agreements will give special emphasis to enhancing the quality of trainees thus enabling them to gain and apply further technology skills and subsequently help them to find employment in innovative, sustainable sectors and technologies such as renewable energy, e-mobility and energy-efficiency, an official statement said.
According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the pacts are a significant step towards creating a conducive framework for skill development and vocational education and training for inclusive and sustainable growth.
In line with their understanding that the availability of demand-oriented skilled workers is crucial for India's future, all entities will work together for high-quality training in order to create opportunities for young people and foster public and private enterprises alike, the Ministry stated.
The collaboration will support India's endeavour to establish an innovative system to comprise the cooperation of the public and the private sector, independent structures for quality assurance, examination and certification as well as formulation of national standards and a comprehensive policy. The quality of vocational training will be raised by means of these measures and by building adequate capacities within companies, training institutes and establishing models for local governance structures, enabling cooperative skill development and vocational training, the Ministry stated.
Germany has been one of countries which is on top of the manufacturing and innovation pyramid and continues to develop most high-end
products.