Inauguration of the Consulate
General of India in Guangzhou, China
by External Affairs Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee
05/06/2008
The Consulate General of
India, Guangzhou was formally inaugurated this
morning by India’s
External Affairs Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. The inauguration function was
attended by the Governor of Guangdong Province H.E. Mr. Huang Huahua, Ambassador of India to China Mrs. Nirupama
Rao and Vice Mayor of Guangzhou city Mr. Chen Mingde and 250 invited Indian and Chinese guests and
members of the Consular Corps.
2. Recalling
that Guangdong has always been at the
forefront of China’s
economic reform and opening to the outside world, Mr. Mukherjee stressed that India is interested to learn from Guangdong’s experience,
including its remarkable success in developing Special Economic Zones. He added
that Economic and commercial relations must become the firm foundation for the
future growth of India - China ties.
Many Indian firms have invested in the Pearl River Delta and this is likely to
increase in the coming years. Similarly companies from Guangdong have shown interest in the Indian
market. The commencement of direct flights from Guangzhou
to India has also encouraged
more links between the Province and India. For all these reasons, India is convinced that Guangzhou
is the best choice for opening our second Consulate General in China.
3. Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua stated that the inauguration of the Consulate
General of India will open a new chapter of friendly cooperation between Guangdong and India. Trade between the Province
and India
amounted to US $ 5.9 billion in 2007, an increase of 55% over the previous
year.
4. It
will be recalled that India and China had signed a Memorandum of Understanding
for the opening of new Consulates General in Guangzhou and Kolkata during the
visit of Chinese President H.E. Mr. Hu Jintao to India in November, 2006. With the
inauguration of the Consulate General of India, Guangzhou the Memorandum of Understanding
stands fully implemented. The newly inaugurated Consulate General will focus on
expanding trade, investment, tourism as well as Cultural and educational
contacts between India and South China.
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Press Releases
Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi