Fapcci to project AP as tourism spot in Belgium

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Fapcci) plans to hold a tourism roadshow in Belgium in September showcasing the state as an upcoming tourist destination.

Belgium is also keenly looking at engagements with Indian auto component companies for sourcing opportunities.

Speaking at a meeting organised by Fapcci, Herman Merckx, the consul-general of Belgium in Mumbai, said that Andhra Pradesh needed to do more to promote itself and be seen as a serious contender in the international tourism map.

"I would recommend that Fapcci hold a tourism roadshow in September in Belgium as the first three weeks of August would be holiday season in the country," he said.

"I see enormous potential in tourism and we can do a lot of work together," Merckx told Fapcci members.

Belgium, he said, was also interested in exploring opportunities with Indian companies for sourcing both hardware and software requirements for automotive companies.

Belgium's current investment in India is pegged at around $200 million with about 100 small and medium sized Belgian companies in active collaboration with Indian companies.

According to Fapcci president Koteswara Rao S S R, Belgian companies were also interested in developing ports in the state.

"Apart from this, companies from Belgium are also looking at active collaboration with Indian companies in the space of special metals, engineering, electronics, software, chemical manufacturing and engineering. Over 80 per cent of India's bilateral trade with Belgium is dominated by the diamond trade, which is controlled by around 300 Gujarati families based in Antwerp," he said.

Indian traders account for nearly 50 per cent of the diamond trade in Antwerp, which is the world's second largest centre of trade in raw diamonds after New York. It is now estimated that 60 per cent of the world's rough diamonds are traded in Antwerp.

Rao said that as a follow-up to the consul general's visit to the city, a trade or investment delegation from Belgium to Hyderabad would be welcome to have further discussions with Fapcci members.

Rao also welcomed the India-BLEU (Belgium, Luxembourg Economic Union) Joint Commission which will focus on developing joint collaborations with Indian firms in manufacture of metals, chemicals, and engineering goods and explore the financial cooperation in matters of export finance and promotion of investment treaty.