THE HAGUE, 02/03/07 - The Netherlands is the third-largest investor in India, but the scale of trade is still modest, considers the Ambassador of India, Neelam Sabharwal. "The Netherlands has discovered India a bit late," she says in employer organisation VNO-NCW's magazine Forum.

Neelam Sabharwal has just become ambassador in The Hague. "I came to the Netherlands with the idea that I could definitely tell the business world nothing new. I am beginning to go back on that a bit. Not that I am discouraged, but (...) more should happen in view of the unused trade potential," she told Forum.

"The Netherlands has a fantastic tradition in trade and industry and is known for its efficient water management, its ports and airport, food processing industry and horticulture. But when it comes to India, the Dutch are really a bit late. This idea is also beginning to penetrate with your policy-makers, who are now giving priority to India."

Sabharwal particularly wants to spotlight India as more than just the IT sector. "There are, for example, enormous opportunities - particularly for Dutch companies - in the area of agriculture and horticulture, food processing and water and waste management," and also in the area of infrastructure, ports and logistics.

Two weeks ago, the Chinese ambassador complained in Forum about the Netherlands' discouraging visa policy for foreign business people. Sabharwal says the business climate in the Netherlands is experienced as very good, but agrees that "the visa policy is not as liberal as it could be." For example, it is sometimes still necessary for business people applying for a visa to come personally to the embassy. "This is not always possible, and anyway does not make it attractive to opt for the Netherlands."

The documentation required and the processing time for first-time visa applications by business people should be further simplified and improved. "For 'knowledge workers', it has already become much easier due to new regulations. But for their family members, it all becomes difficult again. It should be a bit pleasanter if the Netherlands wants to remain an attractive destination."

According to various sources, the Dutch Queen will make an official state visit to India at end-November. The ambassador can "alas not comment on this."