Mumbai : The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), Rotterdam Investment Agency (RIA), Port of Rotterdam, Smart Port and Holland International Distribution Council (HIDC) will host a knowledge seminar for companies in the steel, chemicals and automotive industries in Mumbai on Thursday, 10th February 2011 at Hotel Taj President. The seminar organized in association with Bombay Chamber of Commerce (BCC) and CII Institute of Logistics will address Indian business leaders and logistics heads across these high growth verticals on logistics strategies and the opportunities present in the Netherlands, in order to reach out to European and global markets more effectively.

The seminar will offer attendees a unique opportunity and perspective from leaders in the logistics space. The knowledge seminar will commence with a welcome address by Mr. A. Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam and will be followed by keynote presentations by Mr. R. Buurman, Director, Rotterdam Investment Agency; by Mr. J.P. Olijslager, Senior Project Manager Logistics, HIDC on Best Practices in European Logistics; by Mr. J. Schaap, Director Breakbulk of Port of Rotterdam Authority, Port of Rotterdam & Smart Port; by Loyens & Loeff on Customs and Taxation. Broekman Logistics will share their real life experiences in the Netherlands and India.

As Indian companies look towards Europe to expand their business, setting up base in the continent would become a business imperative, in order to deliver the same level of efficiency and quality as their competition in Europe does.

“The Netherlands can provide the right impetus for growth for Indian companies exploring the European market,” says Mr. Robert Schipper, Executive Director, NFIA, India. He further adds, “Having a direct presence in Europe can provide several advantages such as shorter delivery cycles, better after sales services and more importantly an opportunity to meet accepted European standards while doing business. A European distribution center can be the difference to help Indian companies succeed in this continent.”

The Netherlands is geographically located such that it can ideally act as a key hub for international business and provides quick and easy access to all European markets. The country accounts for 51% of all European distribution centers within Europe, with more than 9000 foreign companies using the region as their distribution hub. In addition, the Netherlands offers an ideal international business environment, a business-friendly tax and regulatory framework, excellent infrastructure, a highly educated and multilingual workforce and an enviable quality of life making it an ideal investment destination in Europe.

“The Netherlands is famous for its expertise in international trade, and the Dutch logistics transport and logistics industry is a proven leader. Many international companies use the Netherlands as location for their European supply chain operations; as point of entry into the EU market. By centralizing their logistics network through the Netherlands; Indian companies can maximize their edge in profitability and time-to-market,” said Mr. J.P Olijslager, Senior Project Manager Logistics, HIDC.

The Netherlands’ strategic location, market proximity, highly developed transport and logistics infrastructure and efficient customs and highly skilled professionals, make it Europe’s most desirable location for distribution. The port of Rotterdam in particular, is one of the most well connected port-of-entries into the European continent.

Companies interested in attending the knowledge seminar can register by sending an e-mail at [email protected] or register at www.nfia-india.com.