Berlin, Dec.11 (ANI): Visiting Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Saturday, praised Germany for supporting the opening of international commerce for India in the field of civil nuclear energy, adding that both sides have discussed the possibilities of entering into bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy. 

 

"We deeply value Germany's consistent support, including in the Nuclear Suppliers Group," said Singh in an opening statement issued during a joint press interaction here.

 

He also said that German excellence in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors is well known, and welcomed the steady growth of German investments in India. 

 

"Despite the economic downturn, we are hopeful that the target of achieving bilateral trade of 20 billion Euros by 2012 will be achieved," Dr. Singh said.

 

He added: "There is vast untapped potential for high technology trade between India and Germany, and I conveyed to Chancellor Merkel that relaxation of German export control laws will open new horizons for such trade.  This will be to our mutual benefit."

 

He further said that in 2007, India and Germany had identified science and technology as a central pillar of their partnership.

 

"We have agreed today to continue to enhance our cooperation in the fields of higher education and renewable energy and energy efficiency," Dr. Singh said.

 

Describing vocational training and skill development as a high priority of the Indian Government, Dr. Singh said: "It is critical for the success of our socio-economic development plans." 

 

He added: "We have chosen Germany as our preferred partner in this field and I am happy to announce that we have agreed to significantly scale up our cooperation in this sector." (ANI)