Visiting Dutch biz delegation keen to explore SL markets, share expertise

Wednesday, 16 July 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam The visiting high-level delegation from the Netherlands expressed earlier this week their keenness in sharing expertise with local authorities and businesses to help Sri Lanka achieve further development in the water and health sector. Led by Dutch Vice-Minister Foreign Trade Simon J. H. Smits, the five-member delegation representing top companies in the country are confident that their visit will further strengthen trade relations between the two nations and help support one another.

Addressing the media at a press conference held in Colombo on Monday (14) to officially kick off the mission, Rabobank Vice President Export Finance Han Bartelds, a member of the delegation, said: “The projects we are supporting are based on two principles. One is the win for Holland

and the other is the win for Sri Lanka. The win for Holland is assisting exports from many SMEs as well as large corporations. The win for Sri Lanka is that all these projects continue to develop the nation in the water technology and humanitarian sectors.” Rabobank is a Dutch multinational, recognised as a global leader in food, agri-financing and sustainability-oriented banking. Bartelds, a regular visitor to the nation, commended the post-war economic progress and said he was “astonished” by the drive for development and growth. Along with Bartelds, the members accompanied by Vice Minister Smits are Enraf Nonius President/ CEO Len de Jong, Vitens Evides Regional Director – Southern Africa Marco Scouten, Eijkelkamp Export Manager Barry Leuverman, Van Der Knaap Group CEO Ron Van Der Knaap, and Van Der Knaap Director of Substrate Production Gerard Van Dieen. The group arrived in Sri Lanka on 14 July and is on a three-day mission. Their objectives include gaining firsthand experience and familiarisation on the nation’s opportunities, challenges and the way forward. The team is the first high-level delegation to come to Sri Lanka since the 2005 post-tsunami visit The Netherlands made with its Foreign Minister. While these Dutch companies have representing offices in Sri Lanka, all stated that one of their objectives is to extend projects in the country. With Enraf Nonius, a global supplier for professionals in rehabilitation and physiotherapy, currently constructing two hospitals in Hambantota and Nuwara Eliya respectively, its President Len de Jong revealed that the company is looking for new projects in Sri Lanka. “With the knowledge we have, as a company we can be of good assistance to Sri Lanka. I am certain there will be lots of opportunities for collaboration between the two countries,” he said. Vitens Evides Regional Director Scouten added to this by stating that his company, which specialises in water services, is in Sri Lanka to share expertise and explore the local market extensively. During their visit, the delegation will meet the relevant authorities in the water and health sectors for a round table discussion. In addition, the meetings the team is scheduled to meet Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Dinesh Gunawardena, Treasury Security Dr. P. B. Jayasundera and CEOs of companies with Dutch links. Their schedule also includes site visits to the Colombo Port, Colombo National Hospital and Ambatale Water Treatment Plant in Kelaniya. Trade relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands are at an annual average of $ 200 million and have been growing at 10% year-on-year, according to the Vice Minister. With a population of 17 million, the Netherlands is amongst the world’s 20 largest economies and is recognised as the fifth largest exporter in the world. Pic by Daminda Harsha Perera