"Come to Brabant"

Mrs Maij-Weggen, the Queen's Commissioner in North-Brabant speaks to NFIA India about the synergies between India and Brabant.

What is the province of Brabant best known for in the Netherlands?

Brabant is the industrial hub of the Netherlands and also one of the foremost technological regions in Europe. Philips is based in Brabant. About fifty other such large companies are based here. Over 7000 researchers work in the province. Brabant is also home to about 1100 foreign companies, largely from the US and Germany.

The delegation from Brabant to India is coming in to explore business relationships. What kind of opportunities does the delegation hope to tap in India?

We have had good relations between India and the province of Brabant for a long time. This time the delegation visits Bangalore to explore possible relationships in the hi-tech and life sciences applications. The program is concentrated. The delegation will visit hi-tech and research facilities in Bangalore. There will also be a seminar where investment opportunities will be discussed.

TCS has recently located a facility in Brabant. Are you expecting any more such developments in the near future?

Yes, Tata Consultancy Services is already here in Eindhoven, which is the largest city in Brabant, though not its capital. We hope there will be more companies from India locating in Brabant. We are specifically looking forward to companies from India that can provide ICT solutions for hi-tech industries, which is what Brabant is known for.

I would also like to add that we have a very strong Indian community here in Brabant, with whom I have very good contact. In fact, I had a special dinner with them recently that went very well. There is a good international school in Brabant and a good standard of living. We would be glad to welcome Indian knowledge workers to live and work here as representatives of their companies. 

You have been in the European Parliament for 10 years. What do you think are the major issues facing Europe in the wake of the economic recession?

The European Union is very active in the financial sector. At this time, the efforts are directed at getting better control of the banks that are in difficulty due to the recession. I also think that the Euro at the moment is a very big support for the citizens of Europe. All the countries that do not have it are trying to get in fast.

You held the posts of Minister of Telecommunications and for Transport and Water Management, which I understand, is a critical role in the Netherlands. Can you share with us one interesting experience from that time?

Water is a delicate subject in the Netherlands as nearly 60 percent of the country is below sea level. But Brabant is 80 percent above sea level, so it's safe!

What do you think about India? Would you be planning a visit to India sometime in the future?

I came to India a long time ago as a Member of Parliament and I would be interested to see India once more. During my visit, I was impressed by India's fantastic culture and by the way the education system works. I think the well-educated people in cities like Bangalore are the backbone of India today. I was also impressed by India's beauty, especially the northern areas towards Nepal.