Now Chennai has Belgium consulate

Chennai:

In a bid to strengthen its presence in India and boost investments in south, Kingdom of Belgium on Thursday opened the consulate general office in Chennai.

Speaking to reporter after the inauguration of the consulate general by Princess Astrid of Belgium here late last night, the ambassador of Belgium Pierre Vaesen said that the move to open the office in Chennai was taken as Belgium sees it as great potential for future growth.

Chennai will be the third diplomatic posting in the country, the other two being Embassy of Delhi and Consulate General in Mumbai.

Vaesen said that the Consulate General will function at Khader Nawaz Khan road in Chennai which was the former trade office of Canada. He said the visas will be temporarily processed in Mumbai and the consul general will be appointed after the approval of Indian government, which is likely any time.

Interestingly, the keenness of Belgium to have a strong presence in Chennai is felt as the city is strategically located and could help Belgium enhance its presence in Myanmar and Bangladesh. In a bid to enhance its ties with the state, Belgium  Princess Astrid, who is sister of King of Belgium, would be meeting Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday evening.

Earlier five memorandum of understanding were signed with Belgium companies, including a one between Madras Chamber of Commerce and Port of Antwerp.

Vaesen said that Belgium is planning to diversify its trade of diamonds to other sectors. These include pharma, vaccination, chemicals, cleantech, renewable energy and logistics.