How Are India and the Netherlands Strengthening Their Economic Ties?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Formation of JTIC: A strategic initiative to enhance bilateral relations.
- Annual Meetings: Ensuring consistent engagement between both nations.
- Focus on MSMEs: Encouraging cooperation in vital economic sectors.
- Barriers Addressed: Aiming for the identification and removal of trade obstacles.
- Sustainable Growth: A commitment to fostering resilient supply chains and inclusive development.
New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) On Friday, India and the Netherlands unveiled the formation of the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC), aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and economic collaboration between the two nations.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, was officially announced during the visit of Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel to India, which included a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
This MoU establishes the JTIC as a structured framework for ongoing discussions and cooperation on trade and investment issues.
The JTIC will act as a dedicated platform to assess bilateral trade relations, encourage mutual investments, tackle trade and investment obstacles, and explore partnerships in sectors of common interest, as stated by the Commerce Ministry.
Meetings of the JTIC will occur annually, alternating between India and the Netherlands, to ensure an ongoing and effective engagement at the institutional level.
The committee will be co-chaired by the Additional Secretary from India's Department of Commerce and the Director General of Foreign Economic Relations from the Netherlands' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involving delegations from both countries comprising government representatives and other appointed members.
The JTIC aims to help identify and remove trade and investment barriers, pinpoint facilitation measures in key cooperation areas, and enhance interaction between various Chambers of Commerce and Industry, particularly focusing on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). It will also seek to boost collaboration in sectors of shared interest by facilitating consultations between the private sector and the respective governments.
According to the ministry, “The signing of this MoU signifies the mutual commitment of India and the Netherlands to deepen their economic alliance, cultivate resilient and diversified supply chains, and endorse sustainable and inclusive growth. It further complements ongoing bilateral and multilateral efforts, reinforcing the strategic aspect of India–Netherlands relations.”