By: Adv Pranita Deshpande
@advpranita_a
The Hague: To coincide with India assuming the G20 Presidency from December 1, and to promote the bilateral trade and investment between India and the Netherlands, the Embassy of India in The Hague organised a symposium on the theme “India-Netherlands Partnership: Opportunities for Business and Investment” on December 1, at Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague.
Around 125 guests participated in the event, majority of them from the Dutch companies and businesses. The event had a prime focus on bilateral cooperation in the priority sectors of ‘Water, Agriculture, Health and Innovation’. Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, Reenat Sandhu, in her welcome address highlighted India’s priorities during its G-20 Presidency, which resonate with the bilateral agenda of cooperation between India & the Netherlands, especially in the area of sustainability, sustainable lifestyles, circular economy, energy transition, etc.
Ambassador also touched upon the multi-faceted bilateral partnership between India and the Netherlands, and encouraged Dutch companies to explore opportunities for investment and manufacturing in India, and entering into joint ventures and technological tie- ups.
Vice President of Invest India, Ravneet Mann, gave a powerpoint presentation on the opportunities for investing in India and highlighted the economic reforms and various initiatives taken by the Government of India (GoI) to promote trade and investment and a business-friendly environment. She invited the Dutch companies to invest in India.
The Netherlands is now India’s 4th largest trading partner in Europe with the total bilateral trade exceeding USD 17 billion in 2021-22 and the largest export destination for Indian goods in Europe. The Netherlands has become the 3rd largest export destination for Indian goods in the world in 2022. More than 350 Indian companies have their presence in the Netherlands and a similar number of Dutch companies have their foothold in India.
This event included Michiel Sweers, Deputy Director General for Enterprise & Innovation who spoke about India-Netherlands cooperation in innovation & technology.
Luit-Jan Dijkhuis spoke about the ongoing cooperation in the water sector and Etty de Boer covered agriculture cooperation and food safety standards in her remarks. Jules Gerzon from Foreign Ministry provided an overview of the future of Indo-Dutch partnership. Speakers from the private sector, representing Royal Philips and Poonawalla Science Park in Bilthoven provided interesting insights and shared their experiences of doing business in India and in the Netherlands.
The representatives of the companies attending the symposium were highly appreciative of the very fruitful discussions and useful networking opportunities provided through the Symposium by the Embassy of India and Satya Pinisetty, First Secretary (Economic & Commerce).
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