New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS): Hamburg is keen to invest in infrastructure projects like inland waterway transport systems and ports in India, a top leader of the German state said.

"The Hamburg business community has shown an increasing interest in India, especially in areas like waterway projects, ports, transportation and renewable energy sectors. Hamburg has quite alot of experience in these areas," Olaf Scholz, first mayor (Chief Minister) of Hamburg, told IANS.

Scholz is leading a 40-member delegation looking to strengthen ties in the fields of renewable energy, education and business.

According to Scholz, the extensive experience of managing one of the largest ports in Europe and maintaining the transportation logistics can be used in India to develop infrastructure here.

Currently, 30 percent of all sea container traffic involving India to Europe is handle by Hamburg port. This includes two-thirds of the entire Indian tea and carpet exports to the continent.

Scholz said that Indian companies had shown interest in the port city and that Indian renewable energy major Suzlon was present in Hamburg.

German official data show that Hamburg city, home to Germany's largest port, has some 30 Indian companies, including Suzlon and Tata Consultancy Services. Over 570 Hamburg firms have business relationship with India.

It is expected that the government of Hamburg may also get into an agreement with India on vocational training and education.

Germany's envoy to India Michael Steiner said that there was considerable interest in Germany over India's growing economic stature.

"Europe is facing problems, India is also facing certain challenges. These issues can be addressed by further integration in EU and more reforms in India. A strong Europe as the largest trading partner of India is good for you and a strong India is good for us," said Steiner.