Dutch government delegation on trade mission to India

Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Carola Schouten, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen and Minister for Healthcare and Sport Bruno Bruins are in India from 23 to 25 May on a working visit and trade mission. The trade mission - with 131 businesses taking part - is headed by Hans de Boer, president of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW).

On 24 May Mr Rutte meets with the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to discuss the strategic relationship between the Netherlands and India and the scope for deepening political and economic cooperation. Mr Rutte will also ratify Dutch membership of the International Solar Alliance and attend events with a focus on solutions to the challenges currently facing Indian cities, such as providing clean drinking water and reducing air pollution. At the invitation of the Carnegie India think tank, Mr Rutte will give a keynote speech about the strategic importance of cooperation between India and Europe. At a trade dinner, at which the entire Dutch trade delegation, representatives of Indian businesses and all the ministers on the trade mission will be present, dozens of MoUs will be signed by Dutch and Indian companies and knowledge institutions.

On 25 May the trade mission will head to Bangalore for a visit to the Shell Technology Centre and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The programme will also include demonstrations of innovative healthcare, agriculture, climate and high-tech projects carried out by Dutch and Indian researchers.

Programme of the Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality
In India, food security is not a given. Almost 200 million people live in poverty - 15% of India's 1.4 billion-strong population. India is home to a quarter of the world's malnourished. Food security and combating malnutrition will therefore be key themes on Ms Schouten's visit to India. The Netherlands is regarded as an important partner for modernising agriculture and food processing. This aligns with Dutch policy, which focuses mainly on exporting knowledge and technology.

Programme of the VNO-NCW president
VNO-NCW president Hans de Boer will be accompanied by representatives of over 130 businesses and knowledge institutions from the sectors water, logistics and maritime services, agri-food, horticulture, high-tech and IT, life sciences and health, and smart cities. A specially tailored programme has been devised for each sector, involving visits by the delegates and ministers to various cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. On Thursday 24 May VNO-NCW will host a CEO roundtable meeting for Dutch and Indian businesses and Prime Minister Modi.