The visit of New Delhi (PTI) to the Netherlands’ Commerce Minister Sunil Barthwal has laid the foundation for the establishment of a green and digital corridor between the ports of Rotterdam and India to export green hydrogen to Europe, the official statement said.
The Ministry of Commerce said there are huge opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Indian ports and Dutch ports in areas such as digitalization, green transport and logistics optimization to promote bilateral trade.
During the visit, Barthwal had a discussion with the CEO of Boudewijn Siemon, the port of Rotterdam Authority.
The Port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and one of the most advanced ports in the world.
Opportunities in these areas, including knowledge sharing, technology transfer and sustainable port management practices, were discussed.
At the meeting, Barthwal highlighted the potential of collaboration with Indian port modernization, aligning with India’s 2030 Marine Vision, which aims to increase port capacity and logistics efficiency.
The Ministry of Commerce said both sides expressed interest in deepening ties through joint plans for port digitalization, green transport and logistics optimization, which is crucial to strengthening bilateral trade flows.
It said: “This visit sets the stage for the establishment of a green and digital corridor between the ports of Rotterdam and Indian ports such as deendayal Port Authority Candela and exports of green hydrogen as well as carriers such as ammonia and methanol from India to Europe, which serves as the gateway to Europe.”
He also met ASML, CEO of CEO Christophe Fouquet, a global leader in lithography systems in the semiconductor industry, and discussed deepening cooperation in India in the industry.
It added: “The focus of the discussion is to leverage ASML’s expertise to support India’s ambition to become a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.”
The secretary also visited Croatia last week and had a review with Zdenko Luciä, the Ministry of State Trade and Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, and Ivo Milatiä, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The two sides discussed the progress of the proposed free trade agreement between India and the EU.
