Sunday, May 13, 2012

823rd Harbour Birthday Celebrations of Hamburg Port

Anand Sharma inaugurates ‘Days of India in Germany’ The Union Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles Shri Anand Sharma represented the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh at the 823rd Harbour Birthday Celebrations of Hamburg Port on 11 May, also the inaugural event of ‘Days of India in Germany’, commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In the morning, Shri Sharma, at the prestigious Hamburg Chamber of Commerce held bilateral talks with Senator for Economy, Innovation & Transport, Mr. Frank Horch. He was accompanied by a high-powered CII Delegation.

Minister Sharma met the First Mayor of Hamburg, Mr. Olaf Scholz and discussed bilateral issues including increasing trade and economic links, cooperation in science and technology, education and vocational training. He was accompanied by the Indian Ambassador to Germany Mrs. Sujatha Singh, Joint Secretary (DIPP), Mrs. Anjali Prasad, Joint Secretary (Commerce), Mr. Sumanta Chaudhury, Joint Secretary (EW), MEA Ms. Ruchi Ghanashyam and Consul General of India in Hamburg, Mrs. M. Subashini.

First Mayor Mr. Olaf Scholz was accompaniyed by Ms. Carola Weit, President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Wolfgang Schmidt, State Secretary, in charge of International Affairs, Ambassador-designate of Germany to India, Mr. Michael Steiner & Ms. Juliane Scholz-Foth, Chief of Protocol of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

CITM signed the prestigious Golden Book of the historic Town Hall of Hamburg. An exclusive traditional lunch was hosted by the First Mayor of Hamburg in the Emperor’s Hall of the Town Hall.

The Indian Minister, along with First Mayor Mr. Olaf Scholz then proceeded to launch the official opening ceremony of the Hamburg Port Festival in front of 1.5 million visitors on the German Ship ‘Rickmer Rickmers’, by ringing the bell. The sight of Indian frigate INS Teg, which is on its maiden voyage parading alongwith the German Frigate Mecklenberg Vorprommen was a sight to remember. INS Teg, which was recently commissioned in April 2012, made its first port of call in Hamburg.

The Minister accompanied by Minister Frank Horch inaugurated the India Festival at the India Pavilion by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

The India Pavilion presented the rich culture of India which included stalls from EPCH, NCDPD, Ayush, Ministry of Shipping & India Tourism .
In the evening, CITM presided a reception hosted by Indian Ambassador to Germany Mrs. Sujatha Singh jointly with Hamburg Senate at the Hamburg Townhall (Rathaus). Hamburg First Mayor, Mr. Scholz and Federal Representative from Berlin Ms. Cornelia Pieper also graced the occasion. An exclusive audience of 150 was treated to the soulful music by Indian violin maestro Dr.L.Subramaniam and the beautiful voice of Kavita Krishnamurti. India and Indian music filled the air of Hamburg with the charm, diversity and energy India symbolizes for. With multiple events at Hamburg with visitors treated to Indian dance, music and food at India Pavilion, to visits onboard Indian Frigate INS Teg, India the partner country for the Port Festival made its presence felt to the citizens of Hamburg and other German and international visitors. It was indeed a resplendent start to the ‘Days of India in Germany’ scheduled run over 9 months till March 2013.

No comments:

Competitiveness, climate, security Finn’s priorities Ministry of Finance release Finnish road map of EU presidency. Finland is set ...