Indo‑German Chamber of Commerce Signs Key MSME & Skilling Deals at 59th Annual Regional Meet
Indo-German Chamber of Commerce signs MoUs to strengthen MSMEs and establish a Skill Development Centre at MEPZ, boosting Indo-German industrial collaboration and advanced manufacturing skills.
The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) achieved a significant milestone at its 59th Annual Regional Meet by establishing important agreements to support the growth of MSMEs and improve manufacturing skills in India. The event included the official exchange of a Letter of Intent between IGCC and the Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation (AP MSMEDC). This agreement shows a commitment to strengthen the MSME sector in Andhra Pradesh and help German industries enter and expand in the state. Additionally, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Gedee Technical Training Institute (GTTI), Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), and an IGCC-supported Section-8 company. This agreement focuses on setting up a dedicated Skill Development Centre at MEPZ, Tambaram, Chennai.
The Skill Development Centre aims to meet the growing need for skilled workers in high-precision engineering and manufacturing. MEPZ has set aside a 30,000 sq. ft. facility for workshops, CNC labs, simulation units, and training bays. In Phase 1, the center will provide short-term courses, including CNC machining, CNC lathe and milling operations, CNC programming, ANSYS simulation, and CAM. Phase 2 will offer long-term programs tailored for high-precision manufacturing, aligning with international certification standards. The initiative seeks to provide youth, especially from Tamil Nadu, with practical skills and training that meet global standards, boosting their employability and matching workforce capabilities with international needs.
During the ceremony, Andhra Pradesh Minister for MSME, Kondapalli Srinivas, highlighted the state’s goal to create an ecosystem for MSMEs that focuses on manufacturing, skill development, and global partnerships. The state aims to establish around 175 MSME parks and is actively inviting German and other foreign companies to collaborate with local businesses, particularly in fields such as medical equipment, aerospace, defense, and space. IGCC Chairman Ranjit Pratap emphasized that these collaborations reflect a strong commitment to enhancing India-Germany industrial cooperation, supporting MSME growth, and building a workforce ready for future manufacturing challenges.
Overall, this collaboration is expected to significantly improve manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the MSME ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The Skill Development Centre at MEPZ aims to create a talent pool for high-precision industries, potentially increasing job opportunities and raising skill levels. By incorporating German-backed training methods, this initiative may introduce global best practices into Indian manufacturing education, enhancing the quality and competitiveness of the skilled labor force in India. This effort further solidifies the Indo-German industrial partnership, possibly attracting more European investments and technology transfers to Indian MSMEs.