Dutch companies eager to invest in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW: Dutch companies have evinced interest in setting up projects and making investments in Uttar Pradesh. The Dutch Ambassador, Alphonsus Stoelinga on a visit to the state capital met the Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in relation to possible business ties between the state and Dutch companies and identifying possible areas of investments.

He said that the Dutch government in collaboration with the union government would be setting up a ultra modern slaughter house most likely to come up in Lucknow.

Speaking to the media Stoelinga said on Tuesday that four Dutch companies Phillips Electronics, Royal Haskoning DHV, Ecorys and TNT are already present in UP and they are seeking to expand their business here. He said that sectors like urban planning, water teatment, infrastructure, airports health are of special interest to them and they are willing to make investments of set up projects under Public Private Partnership with the state government if required.

He said that Netherlands and UP can also collaborate in the education sector and while they need skilled workers the youth from the state can acquire advanced degrees and certification from their country.

Senior PPP Advisor to the Euro 700 million engineering consultant Royal Haskoning, Arnold Galvazi said that they are eager to take up urban development, master planning environment and airport related projects in UP and would be setting up an office within a years time in the state capital to increase engagement with officials here.

Past Chairman, CII-UP, Jayant Krishna said that the interest shown by companies based out of Netherlands should be capitalised upon by the state government. He said that CII would continue to act as a platform to invite foreign investments to the state to kick start the economy.