India and Belgium agree to strengthen economic ties

Indian president Pranab Mukherjee had a “very fruitful” meeting yesterday with Belgian prime minister Elio Di Rupo, during which the two countries decided to deepen their already strong economic engagement in critical infrastructure, nuclear energy, Information Technology and higher education, reports The Hindu. A strong delegation led by Belgium’s  deputy prime minister will visit India to follow up on a number of initiatives that were discussed yesterday.

At present, about 160 Belgian companies have invested in India. The total two-way trade, dominated by diamonds, stands at €12bn. The next phase of big engagement could be potentially in the services sector such as infrastructure, education, railways and nuclear waste management.

The delegation accompanying the Indian president discussed with their Belgian counterparts ways of taking expertise of port companies in Brussels which have capabilities in developing the infrastructure for riverine ports located at a distance from the sea coast. There is scope for developing such a port in Kolkata. Many Belgian companies are interested in this project.

President Mukherjee  will today officially open the Europalia cultural festival, held in Brussels every two years, the theme of which this year is India.