Frankfurt, March 13 (IANS): India is among the seven countries shortlisted by this international business, banking and transportation hub of Germany for facilitating economic and business relations.

Frankfurt Mayor Peter Feldman disclosed this during his meeting with Indian Consul General Raveesh Kumar here, adding his office was working towards aligning the city's bureaucracy to the needs of the Frankfurt business community. He also offered to provide any support the Indian business community needed from the city, an embassy statement said.

The hour-long discussion centred on expanding the strong economic ties between India and the city of Frankfurt. Raveesh Kumar briefed the mayor on the recent initiatives of the consulate, specially on strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two sides, and increasing the outreach in view of the growing number of Indian professionals and students in the states within the mission's jurisdiction.

The Frankfurt Rhein Main region is home to over 6,000 Indians and about 210 Indian companies, including more than 60 IT companies, many of which have their German/European headquarters in the region. The State Bank of India and ICICI Bank too have their presence in Frankfurt.

Kumar informed the mayor about the launch of the India Business Forum, an initiative to bring together Indian professionals and entrepreneurs on one platform and the Friends of India group, to bring together India-focussed cultural associations under one umbrella, the statement said.

During the interaction, the two discussed the feasibility of setting up an Indian school's branch in Frankfurt, Indian participation at the Frankfurt Carnival - one of the country's largest - avenues for contribution by the Indian community in welfare activities in the city and the possibility for twinning Frankfurt with an Indian city.

The mayor agreed with all three suggestions, the statement said.