Fischer Courts IT Experts in India

Speaking at the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce in Bombay, Fischer said Berlin had relaxed some of its immigration laws, making it easier for foreign computer specialists to come to Germany for work.

He admitted that he had been frustrated with Germany's "Green Card" program, meant to attract foreign IT experts. Begun in August 2000, the program hoped to attract 20,000 highly skilled workers to the country in three years. But by the end of that time, only 14,000 foreign workers had taken advantage of the visa project -- 4,000 of them were from India. Many complained that the program was overly bureaucratic. Time limitations on the work visas as well as restrictions on bringing family members over dampened the enthusiasm of many.

"It's easier for a terrorist to get asylum in Germany than it is for a foreign software expert to enter the German labor market," one Indian computer specialist told Fischer during the meeting in Bombay.

Fischer assured the audience that new immigrations laws to take effect in January would change that.

Pushing business ties

The foreign minister also did some campaigning for Germany as a location for industry, saying that his country's highly developed infrastructure and location in the middle of the European Union made for "excellent conditions" for foreign companies.

He also appealed to German companies to take advantage of "the enormous opportunities" offered by the Indian market and announced a visit this fall by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who will be accompanied by a large business delegation. Fischer called on India to cut some of its red tape in order to improve its attractiveness to foreign investors.

He praised progress in the peace process with India's long-time rival Pakistan, saying a lasting peace between the neighbors was important to convince investors that the region was a profitable and secure place to do business.

On Wednesday night, Fischer flew to Pakistan for a two-day visit there. He plans to return to Berlin on Friday.