The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : IT benefits should reach all parts: Sweden king

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 23, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

IT benefits should reach all parts: Sweden king

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: The King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf, who is leading the Royal Technology Mission (RTM) to India, on Tuesday hoped that the success found in industrial sector, particularly information technology, would percolate down to all parts of the country. India has been making tremendous economic progress and Sweden is following it.

Addressing a press conference, the king said a lot more is written about India's reforms and progress in the media in Sweden, and Swedish companies are looking at partnerships.

The RTM is focusing on Delhi and Bangalore, specifically on, IT and telecom services and other advanced services. The mission also is looking at education and research. The mission is exploring establishing contacts between representatives of industry and academia; exchanging views and information on important trends in technology, economy and business development; and exploring opportunities for future collaborations.

Ambassador of Sweden to India Inga Eriksson Fogh said the balance of trade between India and Sweden last year touched $1.3 billion and that the focus has been to increase the trade. The balance of trade is in favour of Sweden with trade taking place in telecommunications, automotive, etc.

The Swedish Trade Council, which was inaugurated by the king, she said, would focus on small and medium enterprises and the reason for locating the council in Bangalore had to do with the growth in the information and communication technology sector.

Asked about defence deals in the light of the Bofors scam, the Ambassador said there is a continuous cooperation between India and Sweden in this area.

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