Ahmedabad, 3 June 2013

European country Belgium today opened its visa application centre in Ahmedabad. On this occasion Belgium Consul general to Mumbai Mr. Karl Van Den Bossche told reporters that Belgium is very willing to interact with Mr. Narendra Modi at the first given opportunity and would like to take forward business relations.

Belgium enjoys rich business ties with Gujarat due to two-way diamond trade. 80 per cent of €13 million two-way trade between Belgium and India is due to diamonds.

According to Consul General, in 2012 Belgium received more than 5,000 visa applications from Gujarat.Belgium and specifically Antwerp is home for a few thousand Gujaratis. After opening a visa centre in Ahmedabad, next step for Belgium is opening of Consulate General in Chennai.

When asked a question about Narendra Modi, the Consul General said, EU is positive and constructive about reaching out to Gujarat and is also willing to engage with the Chief Minister. Belgium is very willing to interact with Mr. Modi at the first given opportunity and would like to take forward business relations.