India keen to leverage Italian tech: Prez Kovind to Paolo Gentiloni

The president said this when Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni called on him at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Welcoming Gentiloni, Kovind said the visit comes 10 years after the visit of former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

He said the visit has special significance for India Italy engagement as the two countries will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2018.

"The economic partnership between India and Italy is strong. However, there is potential to do more. India's reform initiatives, including efforts to improve the ease of doing business and the GST, offer business opportunities to Italian companies.

"Infrastructure development in India itself is a USD 1 trillion opportunity. India is keen to leverage Italian technology and investment for growth and development," the president said.

He said he was happy to note that Italian companies want to invest in the Railways, auto, renewable energy and food processing sectors in India.

"Our relations are anchored in the shared values of democracy and rule of law. We have a large Indian diaspora in Italy. India deeply appreciates Italy's recognition of their contribution to socio-economic progress.

"Our people-to-people connect is ever growing. There are over 2,000 Indian students in Italy today. With so much that we share and jointly aspire for, our ties must continue to strengthen," he said.

The president expressed happiness over the participation of Italy in the World Food India 2017 as a "Focus Country".

Italy is known as the design capital of the world, he said commending the initiative of the Italian PM to celebrate the "Day of Italian Design in the World".

"This year the event, held in over 100 cities across the globe, was a big success. And we look forward to jointly celebrating the event in India next year," Kovind said.