The visit of Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal to the Netherlands has laid the foundation for a green and digital corridor connecting Indian ports and the Port of Rotterdam. The initiative focuses on the export of green hydrogen and its carriers such as ammonia and methanol from India to Europe, positioning Rotterdam as a gateway.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, there is significant scope for cooperation between Indian ports and the Port of Rotterdam in digitalisation, green shipping, and logistics optimisation to boost bilateral trade. Barthwal met with Boudewijn Siemon, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, to explore collaboration in sustainable port practices, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.

The partnership aligns with India’s Maritime Vision 2030, which aims to modernise port infrastructure and enhance logistics efficiency. Ports like Deendayal Port Authority Kandla have been identified for this corridor initiative.

Barthwal also held a meeting with Christophe Fouquet, Chief Executive Officer of ASML, a global leader in photolithography systems. Discussions focused on supporting India’s ambition to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub through cooperation with ASML.

In a prior visit to Croatia, the Commerce Secretary met senior government officials to discuss progress on the proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union.

Source:Press Trust of India (PTI)