Belgium opened Consulate General in Chennai

Princess Astrid of Belgium on 28 November 2013 inaugurated the Consulate General of Belgium in Chennai for expansion of the bilateral ties with India. This is the second Consulate General and the third diplomatic mission in India.

Princess Astrid is the representative of the King of Belgium, who is on a visit to India from 23-30 November, 2013. At present is leading a high power trade delegation to India. As per the Belgian Ambassador to India, Pierre Vaessen the initiative was part of his country’s efforts to strengthen presence in India, mainly in South India.

At present about 160 Belgian companies are operational in India, which of maximum are in South India. India and Belgium generally do trade of 15 billion, which mainly includes diamond business. The trade could also be diversified into different sectors like green technology, renewable energy and chemical and pharmacy industries.