Netherlands keen to develop business ties with Bengal

Ambassador of Netherlands in India Marten van den Berg has said that West Bengal and Dutch have a long history of maritime trade and industry and there are various similarities between the two places.

Speaking at a BCCI seminar here on Friday, he said Netherlands is a sea faring nation and West Bengal is gateway to the North-East.

"There are various similarities between Netherlands and there are ample areas to work together. We have to see how we can develop our logistic hub function. The business interaction will help to find challenges, what the needs are and what solutions can be offered", he said.

The Ambassador said to develop a logistic function there is need for strategic planning, good institutions, require hinterland connectivity, find challenges in development of river.

"Large ports, hinterland connectivity, agriculture, infra development, river and flood management is our expertise and we are focussing on these areas in Bengal as already many Dutch companies are operating in other parts," he stated.