The new Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Venu Rajamony, is strongly committed to helping the Dutch business community in India. According to Rajamony, this is not only important for India. "Dutch companies cannot afford to ignore India."
The staff of the Indian Embassy in The Hague (Photo: Indian Embassy)
India's new ambassador to the Netherlands, Venu Rajamony, has not been idle during his first three months in the country. His new job in The Hague got off to a flying start with the long-awaited state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June. At the end of August, Rajamony welcomed India's Food Processing Minister, Harsimrat Badal, and in September two more incoming Indian trade delegations awaited.
Promoting trade and attracting Dutch investors is Rajamony's main mission in the Netherlands. "The diplomatic relationship between India and the Netherlands is good. A lot is already happening in the economic field, but given the huge potential, much more can be done." Rajamony stresses that both countries have an interest in doing so. "Of course, India can use Dutch expertise in areas such as agriculture, water and waste very well, but at the same time, Dutch companies cannot afford to ignore India. We are the fastest growing major economy in the world with a young population and a growing middle class."
Where I can help Dutch companies, I try to do so.
MoU signing during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Netherlands (photo: Indian Embassy)
The Indian ambassador is determined to assist the Dutch business community in their market entry and growth in India. For example, the top Dutch managers who attended the consultations between Rutte and Modi in June have all received an invitation for a personal meeting. While listing the companies (Boskalis, Philips, Rabobank, Rijk Zwaan, Vopak...), Rajamony suddenly reaches for his phone. "I now remember that I was going to make a request in Delhi on behalf of a Dutch company - let's not mention their name. Where I can help, I try."
That offer applies not only to companies already operating in India and encountering a barrier, but also to newcomers. "We are happy to help companies find good Indian partners and simplify the bureaucratic process for their market entry as much as possible." For companies looking to win contracts from the Indian government, Rajamony has some advice. "To stand a chance, it helps if Dutch parties work together with an Indian partner. In addition, companies increase their chances if they produce part of their technology in India, use Indian raw materials and hire Indian staff. This is not only in line with various government objectives, but also reduces their cost price. Dutch companies need to realise that India is a highly competitive market where companies from all over the world compete for tenders."
Look at Dutch companies that have been operating in India for a long time: they are all doing good business.
Rajamony also advises companies not to get discouraged too quickly. "Look at Dutch companies that have been active in India for a long time. Of course, they too had to overcome obstacles in the beginning, but now they are all doing good business. Competitive Dutch companies that enter India now will also benefit in the long run from the huge market, the rapidly growing middle class and the abundance of young, qualified people."
Moreover, the Indian government is not sitting still in the meantime, the ambassador emphasises. "With Make in India, Digital India, Invest India and 100 Smart Cities, among others, we are moving in the right direction. India's growth is clearly different from China's: our economic growth is driven by domestic consumption, not by exports. This makes India's growth future-proof: we are less dependent on the global economy."
Ambassador Venu Rajamony (Photo: Indian Embassy)
Personal
Venu Rajamony (56) started his career in 1983 as a court reporter with the Indian daily The Indian Express. After three years he exchanged journalism for the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As a diplomat, he worked in Washington, Beijing (Rajamony speaks fluent Mandarin), Dubai and Geneva, among other places. Until this summer he worked as a spokesman for Indian President Mukherjee. Rajamony lives in the Indian House in Wassenaar with his wife. Rajamony has two grown-up sons: the eldest works in New York, the youngest is studying in Delhi.