President arrives in Poland

President Pratibha Patil arrived in Warsaw on Thursday on a four-day visit aimed at strengthening India’s ties with Poland as well as the European Union. Patil flew into the Polish capital from Madrid after a three-day visit to Spain, Aloke Tikku reports

President Pratibha Patil arrived in Warsaw on Thursday on a four-day visit aimed at strengthening India’s ties with Poland as well as the European Union. Patil flew into the Polish capital from Madrid after a three-day visit to Spain.

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“This two-nation visit also signals India’s focus on Europe, beyond the traditional partners, the UK, Germany and France,” Ashwani Kumar, minister of state for commerce, told HT.

Trade between the two sides stood at US $ 1.27 billion last year, registering a 48 per cent increase over the previous year. Indian exports to Poland stand at US $ 976 million, imports at US $ 299 million.

A report by the Confederation of Indian Industry — whose members are part of the business delegation accompanying the President — has asked both countries to target raising bilateral trade from $1 billion to $5 billion over the next five years.