India, Belgium to expand cooperation across trade, investment, tech
New Delhi, July 14
India and Belgium on Tuesday discussed ways to expand cooperation across trade, investment, technology, logistics and workforce mobility.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had an excellent meeting with David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy, and Agriculture of Belgium.
"We also exchanged views on the transformative potential of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthening economic ties for the mutual benefit of our businesses and people," Goyal said in a post on X.
Goyal also met EU Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, and exchanged views on strengthening India-EU cooperation in clean growth, climate action and sustainable industrial development.
"Our discussions focused on expanding collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen, clean technologies, innovation, investments and resilient value chains to support our shared net-zero ambitions," the minister maintained.
Goyal began his day in Brussels with a productive meeting with Thomas Colinet, MD, and Bruno Lete, Director of Public Affairs at Thales Belgium.
"Appreciated the company's longstanding operations in India, including manufacturing for global markets, technology partnerships & skill development. We also discussed opportunities to further strengthen collaboration and encouraged the company to further expand its manufacturing footprint in India, aligned with the vision of 'Make in India, Make for the World'," informed Goyal.
Earlier, Goyal met Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism of Spain, and explored new opportunities to strengthen India-Spain collaboration in trade, investment, manufacturing, innovation, tourism and other future-ready sectors that drive growth, competitiveness and job creation.
"We also exchanged views on the India-EU FTA and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening industrial partnerships, building resilient supply chains and deepening economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations," Goyal said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I hope this results in actual benefits for common people. We keep hearing about trade deals but farmers still struggle. Green hydrogen and clean tech sounds great, but what about jobs for youth? The EU needs to open up more for Indian IT and services.
Good to see Minister Goyal actively engaging with EU nations. India-EU FTA will be a game changer! From textiles to pharmaceuticals, we can export so much more. Hope Belgium and Spain use their influence to push the deal forward. 🇮🇳🤝🇪🇺
"Make in India, Make for the World" - this is the right approach! Thales expanding manufacturing here will create skilled jobs. But we also need to ensure technology transfer happens, not just assembly work. Focus on R&D partnerships too please!
As someone who works in Indo-Belgian trade, this is encouraging. Belgium's port of Antwerp is crucial for Indian exports to Europe. The workforce mobility aspect is key - we need easier visas for Indian professionals. Green hydrogen collaboration is a win-win!
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