The Hindu Business Line : Dutch team eyes biz ventures in Bengal

Kolkata March 15 The Netherlands is looking for business opportunities in West Bengal, a large producer of fruits and vegetables in the country, particularly in areas like food-processing. Cooperation is sought in areas such as food-processing, cold chain and infrastructure development for minimising post-harvest losses.

Speaking at an interactive session on `India-Netherlands Economic Cooperation with focus on Agriculture and Infrastructure' here on Thursday, organised jointly by the Royal Netherlands Embassy, Kolkata, and CII, eastern region, Mr Marten van den Berg, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Economic Relations, Ministry of Ecoonmic Affairs, The Netherlands, said there is enormous scope to increase two-trade between the two countries, which is now at $2.8 billion.

Prospective areas

He identified areas such as infrastructure development and logistics, agri-business, bio-technology, medical and IT as potential areas for cooperation. Citing his country's acknowledged superiority in transport infrastructure, he said there could be exchange of know-how in areas such as dredging and engineering, where Dutch companies have carved out a niche.

Mr Roel Bol, Director, Industry & Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, The Netherlands, said Dutch agriculture, perfected over a span of 100 years, which has made The Netherlands as one of the world's three largest exporters of agricultural produce, can share its expertise on the cluster approach with India through collaborative ventures between Indian and Dutch companies.

He attributed his country's enormous success in agriculture to a sharp focus on education of farmers, research and extension practices.

Pointing out that the cooperative system has done wonders for Dutch farmers, Mr Bol said Dutch agriculture has prospered on the cluster approach.

"We are willing to share this learning process with the Indian farmers on a need-based approach."

He sought closer ties with India on the agricultural front.

More Stories on : Foreign Trade | Foods & Food Processing | West Bengal

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