Indo-German Healthcare Dialogue

Text of the speech of Dr. Ingo Karsten, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany:

"Mr. Chakravarthi Mohan, Director Information Technology and Biotechnology,

Dr. Satya Dash, COO Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) and Managing Director KBITS,

Mrs. Anandi Iyer, India Representative and Senior Advisor Fraunhofer

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to address the distinguished participants of the Indo-German Healthcare Dialogue in the framework of the Bangalore India Bio 2012, the biggest national event in India on Life Sciences.

Germany is not only famous for its classical music and its cutting-edge manufacturing industry, but to the same extent for its scientific achievements in life sciences and its health care industry.

The German pharmaceutical industry has gained worldwide reputation , drugs like Aspirin have become an industry trademark. Medical equipment from Germany can be found in hospitals all over India.

Germany’spharmaceutical and health care industry have become a central part in its economy. This industry creates 10 % of the German GDP and provides 13% of its employment. The 18 Bio Regions in Germany are well established. The network of the so called Eco System can help Indian companies to access partners in a focussed and successful manner. The “Made in Germany “ brand offers immediate acceptance and recognition in the European and US markets which are of major interest to India.

The German Health Sector initiative supported by the German government aims to maintain and strengthen Germany’s position as one of the leading countries exporting health products and services The Initiative of the German federal government to foster a strategic and long term dialogue in the Indo German pharmaceutical sector is indeed a very timely initiative and I am sure this will go a long way to build on the existing relations of the two countries and further strengthen the cooperation towards mutual benefit.

Bangalore is not only the so-called “Silicon Valley of India”, but it is also rapidly emerging as the hub of biotechnology in India. The Indian biotechnology industry has witnessed a remarkable drive and notable modifications have spread a fresh aura of wellbeing, prosperity and sustainability. The Indian biotechnology sector plays a strategic role in the economic development of the country by offering affordable healthcare services such as medicines and therapies while meeting the challenges of food and energy security. Accompanied with low-cost manufacturing facilities and rising research and development capabilities, the Indian Bio-technology sector is well placed on the global scenario. The advantage of economic manufacturing costs, high quality drug research facilities, skilled and cost-competitive manpower has promoted India on the global platform of the biotechnology sector. It is considered to be one of the leading global players. Besides offering a fast expanding domestic market, India provides a number of benefits to attract multinational companies from across the globe.

I believe that combining IT and Biotechnology based on a strong agribusiness offers huge economic potential to this country, especially to Bangalore. The cooperation with Germany in life sciences and particularly in the healthcare industry can tap this potential to the benefit of both our countries. In the field of science the German Max-Planck-Institute and the Indian National Centre for Biological Studies here in Bangalore have just established the Joint Centre on Lipids Research. In the business field Indian and German companies can collaborate to strengthen their presence in world markets and use the synergies of high technology and skilled manpower on both sides to develop the value arbitrage in their own as well as third markets.

Let’smove ahead together in this direction!

Thank you for your attention."