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Belgium : Minister’s visit |
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The visit of Belgium’s Secretary of State for Finance, Budget and Foreign Affairs, Ms. Neyts-uyttebroeck, to India under the auspices of India-BLEU (Belgium, Luxembourg Economic Union) Joint Commission will go a long way in furthering consolidating India’s trade and economic relations. Luxembourg will be represented by Ms. Polfer, who is Deputy Prime Minister. Accompanied by senior officials and business representatives, both Ministers arrived in new Delhi on January 6 and will commence talks with senior Ministers and officials on January 8.
On eve of the visit, Ms. Neyts-uyttebroeck said that the joint commission’s discussions in India would strengthen bilateral and trade and economic relations. She will discuss preparations for the European Union-India summit scheduled for November 2. Ms. Neyts-uyttebroeck added that the summit’s importance “cannot be underestimated” in the multi-polar world, in the background of shared India-European civic values of multi-party democracy based on the rule of law and principles of free market economy, where “India is seen as major global player”.
The European government are particularly keen on assessing India’s response to the initiatives and perceptions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The India-BLEU representatives will have an opportunity to assess the views of the Indian rank and file on WTO matters at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Conference in Hyderabad. Belgium’s current investment in India hovers around the $200-million mark. Around 100 small and medium Belgium companies have active collaboration with their Indian counterparts. Belgium companies are particularly interested in the development of ports in Andhra Pradesh and on exploring prospects of collaboration with Indian companies to special metals, electronic software and chemical manufacturing and engineering.
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