Visakhapatnam: “Andhra Pradesh is a key Indian state, noted for its strong economic growth and high ease of doing business. The Netherlands recognises its potential, particularly in green energy, maritime logistics, and food processing,” said Marisa Gerards, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India. A delegation of 13 Dutch companies, accompanied by the ambassador and other officials, met chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday and discussed plans for future collaboration across various sectors.In an interview with TOI, Gerards said India and the Netherlands share a vision of deepening cooperation, anchored in innovation, sustainability, advanced technology, and economic growth. “As part of this, the Dutch aim to support Andhra Pradesh’s development by fostering investments, sharing expertise in green energy and high-tech sectors, and strengthening educational and business ties. The two countries have set a target of establishing 25 centres of excellence in agriculture, with one planned in AP. It will focus on high-value crops like pineapple and jackfruit, with cold storage and processing infrastructure. Dutch experts will work with their Indian counterparts to modernise farming practices,” she said.Highlighting Dutch expertise in maritime sectors such as shipbuilding, port management, and terminal operations — aligning with AP’s logistics plans — Gerards said APM Terminals’ Rs 9,000 crore investment commitment in the state is expected to generate around 10,000 jobs. “Food processing, linked to cold chain logistics, is another key area where Dutch innovation complements the state’s agricultural strengths,” she added.The Netherlands is also advancing cooperation in green hydrogen and semiconductors. A green hydrogen roadmap is underway, with India as a key partner, including plans for import-export corridors. In semiconductors, Dutch company ASML recently took part in the Semicon India roundtable hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Netherlands’ Brainport region, which is home to global giants, is looking to engage with India’s growing chip design and manufacturing ecosystem. Education and knowledge exchange are also priorities. Dutch and Indian universities, including IITs and IIM-Visakhapatnam are collaborating through student exchanges, joint research, and leadership programmes, aligning well with the AP’s P4 (public-private-people partnership) model.”A notable example of Dutch-Indian collaboration is a project involving 33,000 farmers in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states, focusing on regenerative agriculture. This organic method improves yields and reduces pesticide use while empowering women farmers and connecting them directly with European buyers. The Netherlands sees major potential for trade and investment growth in sectors like agriculture, dairy, medtech, pharmaceuticals, and shrimp farming, with the port of Rotterdam serving as a key export hub. The Netherlands Innovation Network India (GINA) showcases the strong ties between Dutch and Indian professionals working on climate, energy, and maritime solutions. These networks foster professional partnerships and collaborative solutions to address major global challenges,” Gerards said.She cited United Breweries — which is majority-owned by Dutch brewer Heineken — as a model of global-local collaboration, with major investments in AP. Other companies like Hunter Douglas and the Paques Group demonstrate how Dutch firms are innovating in construction materials and industrial filtration. Gerards also emphasised the role of Wageningen University and Research, known as the ‘Harvard of agriculture’, in applying cutting-edge research to transform Indian farming. “Alongside Indian partners, these efforts improve rural livelihoods, crop productivity, and export potential,” she added.The Dutch-Indian partnership also has a cultural dimension, rooted in centuries-old ties visible in architecture and heritage. “This opens doors for conservation and modern design collaborations. With expertise in port management and multimodal logistics, Dutch firms are contributing to India’s infrastructure development. The partnership goes beyond commerce — it’s about building a shared future grounded in innovation, sustainability, technological advancements, and mutual respect,” Gerards added.