Netherlands sets 6 billion euro export target by 2017

Chennai:

As Europe is reeling under economic crisis, The Netherlands is resting its hope on India to lift its euro-centric economy and is targeting to boost exports from 2.7 billion euros to six billion euros in 2017.

Addressing a meeting organized by Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Netherlands ambassador Alphonsus Stoelinga said the growth of Indian economy is crucial to revival of European economy and particularly The Netherlands, which is fifth largest exporter to India.

He said the country’s focus was euro-centric and its exports to Italy was worth 20 billion euros while to India it was only 2.7 billion euros. “Now with Europe not doing well, the focus is more on Asia and particularly in India and China,” said the ambassador.

Interestingly, The Netherlands is also targeting Tamil Nadu for investments. The focus is on integrated water management, waste management, renewable energy and agro food processing.

As the business in The Netherlands has been hit badly, Netherlands Business support Office-Chennai chief representative V Vijay Kumar says queries regarding investment in India has come down significantly. It is believed to have dropped by about 20 to 30 per cent as businesses in The Netherlands prefer rather to wait than test the water in India.