The Consul General of Spain in Mumbai Fernando Heredia Noguer recently visited Chennai to show his respect to the people and the authorities of Tamil Nadu on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of bilateral relations between Spain and India. Accompanied by Antony Lobo, Honorary Consul of Spain in Chennai, Heredia held meetings with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Governor of Tamil Nadu and the Finance Minister.
Heredia acknowledged the contribution of the Spanish companies he met in Tamil Nadu especially in terms of economic growth and employment in the sectors of wind power, water desalination, waste management and bathroom products, all of whom have contributed towards Tamil Nadu becoming the second largest economy in India. The Consul General also appreciated Tamil Nadu’s progressive policies on e-governance, fighting violence against women and LGBTI. Heredia showed much interest in Tamil language and literature and praised Spain’s and India’s richness based on cultural diversity.
Addressing an elite business delegation at a dinner hosted by Antony Lobo, Heredia said that the bilateral trade relationship between India and Spain has reached a record figure of $ 6 billion with the investment of $ 1.5 billion coming from Spanish companies as part of the Make-in-India initiative.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Antony Lobo invited industrialists from Tamil Nadu to look at Spain as the destination of choice for investment and prosperity. He added that Spain has also become one of the most attractive locations for the Indian film industry and for tourists at large.