India seeks Czech investments in NIMZs, cooperation in defence

India today sought investments from Czech Republic in the proposed national investment and manufacturing zones (NIMZs) besides cooperation in defence sector.

Under the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), the government has proposed to set up NIMZs. NIMZs are conceptualised as integrated industrial townships of at least 50 sq. Km with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

The issue was discussed during the meeting of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma and Czech Industry & Trade Minister Martin Kuba here today.

"Owing to the fact that the Czech Republic is strong in manufacturing and heavy engineering in particular- metallurgy, machine tools, defence equipment, we invite its automotives which accounts for 24 per cent of Czech manufacturing, to invest in NIMZs," an official statement quoting Sharma said.

Sharma also emphasised on the need for institutional engagement for collaboration in the field of science and technology.

"The thrust in our bilateral ties would be to focus on accelerating cooperation in advanced and niche technologies in which the Czech Republic has special capabilities," Sharma said.

The two ministers also discussed issues regarding defence cooperation.

Sharma conveyed to the Czech Minister that both the countries could build an enduring defence relationship that could include joint research, development and production of weapons systems, it said.

"The rapid up-gradation of Czech industry, defense production facilities make state-of-the-art products namely defence equipment, electronic intelligence and surveillance systems, radars, trainer aircraft, modernisation of Soviet-era tanks and logistics open gives leverage to the strong Czech interest in promoting sales to India in these areas of specialisation," it added.

Further, a Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on on Advanced Manufacturing and Heavy Engineering is scheduled later this month.

Sharma also expressed satisfaction at the ongoing projects in the field of lasers and put stress on the need for bright engineers and scientists from both the countries to be provided an enabling environment by the Czech and Indian sides to further cooperation in high technology areas.

The bilateral trade between India and the Czech Republic in 2012 stood at $957.47 million as compared to $992.42 million in 2011.