India a land of opportunities: Modi tells Dutch CEOs

India has made 7,000 reforms for attracting foreign direct investment in various sectors including real estate and defence: Modi.

Describing the Netherlands as India's "natural partner" in its economic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invited Dutch companies to invest in the country which he said is the "land of opportunities".

Focusing on trade, technology and investment, Modi interacted with CEOs of major Dutch companies after holding bilateral talks with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte.

The two countries signed three MoUs in the fields of social security, water cooperation and cultural cooperation.

During his interaction with top Dutch CEOs, Modi said the reforms introduced by his government seek to enhance ease of doing business and bring standards at par with global standards.

The prime minister, who is in Amsterdam on the final leg of his three-nation tour, said India has made 7,000 reforms for attracting foreign direct investment in various sectors including real estate and defence.

He said India is a "land of opportunities" with over 7 per cent growth rate and 1.25 billion population of which 800 million people are below 35 years.

Water is a prime sector for cooperation between the two countries, Modi said, referring to a joint water technology initiative, Dutch Indian Water Alliance for Leadership Initiative (DIWALI).

Irrigation and water conservation are the areas where the two countries can boost cooperation, he said.

Seeking investments, he said pension funds are especially welcome to India.

During the bilateral talks, Modi and the Dutch PM reaffirmed their commitment to climate change accord and strengthen cooperation in developing renewable energy.

He said that relations between India and the Netherlands are century old and the two countries will keep on moving towards stronger ties.

Modi said the Netherlands is the 5th largest investment partner globally and in the last three years it has emerged as the 3rd largest source of FDI for the country.

In the joint address, Rutte said India's emergence as a global power is a "welcome development from both political and economic point of views."

He commended India for its commitment to renewal energy and to the Paris climate agreement.

He praised Modi for announcing major sustainable initiatives like 'Clean India' and 'Make in India'.

"The Netherlands is a key partner to help India achieve its goals," he said.

"India is now a global economic power. It is world's second biggest economy and Indian market has a lot of potential. We have a plenty to offer to India too," he said.

He said Europe is India's biggest trading partner and 20 per cent of India's export to Europe enters through the Netherlands.

"So, for India, we are an entry (point) to Europe," he said.

The Dutch premier said the ties are only expected to grow in the coming years.

"Today we are giving fresh impetus to ties by easing the flow of capital in both directions. I believe this is one of the many ways to boost ties in the next 70 years and beyond," he said.

Photographs: Kind courtesy, PIB