The Hindu Business Line : Indian cos urged to look at Rotterdam as gateway to Europe

Chennai, Nov. 28 Indian businesses could look at a presence in Rotterdam to gain a foothold in Europe, according to Mr Mark Harbers, Vice-Mayor, Economic Affairs of Port and Environment, Rotterdam.

Mr Harbers, a member of a business delegation from Netherlands, addressing the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and senior Government officials here, said Rotterdam as Europe’s largest industrial logistics hub was well suited as a gateway to Europe’s market of 450 million people. The railway freight corridor linking Germany and Rotterdam was another feature that will benefit Indian businesses.

The steel industry has recognised these advantages and there is no reason why the petrochemical industry should not set up offices there. Other areas of mutual interest could be creative and audio visual industries and knowledge-based industries, particularly medicine, he said.

Biz opportunities

The delegation, including businessmen and officials from the cities of Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague, is on a tour of Indian cities highlighting business opportunities there.

Mr Ronald Vuijk, Vice-Mayor and Councillor for Economic Affairs, Delft, said the city had a strong technology base. With manufacturing exiting Europe, Delft had grown its local economy by developing a strong technology in a range of areas, including water management. Institutions and companies in Delft were looking for collaboration in India.

The Hague, he said, is the ‘legal capital of the world’ referring to the presence of the International Court of Justice. It was also the ‘expert city,’ a reputation backed by the presence of over 80 international institutions.

Mr Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman, FICCI, Tamil Nadu State Council, said economic cooperation between the two countries would receive a boost with the common areas of interest such as floriculture, agro-based industries, financial services, infrastructure, IT and biotechnology.

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