With an aim to enhance business relations with Germany, members of Rajkot Engineering Association (REA) have now resorted to learning the German language. According to the industry body, while business relations are still on with German firms, language has been hindering potential growth.
"Germany is a de-facto mother land of engineering in the world and Rajkot is doing very good business with the nation. However, growth is being hindered by language barrier. Hence, REA has decided to teach German language to its members," said Brijesh Dudhagara, director of REA, who is also heading the language program of the industry body.
Apparently, the German language training has been re-initiated by REA after two years.
"Since last two years we have tried to start German class in REA but in vain. Poor response from members and lack of proper trainers had discouraged us so far. However, lately we explained REA members how German language will help them grow their businesses with the European nation," said Dudhagara. Earlier the response was poor since only eight members agreed to join the training classes for the first batch. However, at a second attempt this time, fifteen members have already booked themselves for the German language training.
On its part, Rajkot exports auto components, pumps, engines, CNC parts and machinery, different kind of valves, forging and casting and machine tools to Germany while it looks to imbibe German technology in its region.
"This kind of activity will make members capable of understanding the needs of their German clients with whom they are doing business. Rajkot is doing more than Rs 600 crore export businesses with Germany which is growing every year especially in auto, CNC and machine tools industry," said Dhanubhai Vora, president of Greater Rajkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GRCCI).
Rajkot houses more than 3500 small, medium and large scale industries, while the overall turnover of Rajkot's engineering industry is around Rs 20,000-25,000 crore. Auto components, pump and machine tools are the fastest growing industries in the city.