Consulate general office of Belgium opened in Chennai
Posted on: 29/Nov/2013 3:23:55 PM - No. of views : (2424)
Kingdom of Belgium opened the consulate general office in Chennai on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of the consulate general by Princess Astrid of Belgium here late last night, the Ambassador of Belgium Pierre Vaesen said the move to open the office in Chennai was taken as Belgium saw great potential for future growth.
Chennai will be the third diplomatic posting in the country, the other two being Embassy of Delhi and Consulate General in Mumbai.
The Consulate General would function at Khader Nawaz Khan Road in Chennai which was the former trade office of Canada. The visas would be temporarily processed in Mumbai and the consul general would be appointed after the approval of the Indian government, which would be likely any time.
Besides diamond business, Belgium was planning to diversify its trade in other areas such as pharmacy, vaccination, chemicals, cleantech, renewable energy and logistics.
Interestingly, the keenness of Belgium to have a strong presence in Chennai is felt as the city is strategically located and could help Belgium enhance its presence in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
In a bid to enhance its ties with the State, Belgium Princess Astrid, who is sister of King of Belgium, would be meeting Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday evening.
