New Delhi, Jan 31 : Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Frank Heemskerk will reach New Delhi on February 8 with the objective of enhancing business ties between India and The Netherlands. He will be visiting Delhi, Pune and Mumbai during his six-day visit.

Heemskerk will be accompanied by representatives of 40 companies, which will promote their expertise, particularly in the fields of IT, biotechnology, design, aeroplane maintenance and maritime logistics and educational institutes.

He is expected to hold discussions with Union Commerce Minister Kamal Nath and Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, on issues such as the current global financial crisis, the WTO negotiations and the G-20 meeting to be held in London this April.

Addressing officials at the Dutch Embassy in Delhi, Heemskerk said it is important for The Netherlands to expand its economic ties with India in such turbulent economic times since international trade and investments are the driving force for economic recovery and future growth.

The Netherlands has an ideal business climate for Indian companies, partly as a gateway to Europe, he added.

On his visit to Pune on February 11, the Dutch Foreign Minister will address the CII-NID Design Summit.

Four Indian and Dutch design companies are expected to sign a collaboration agreement during the visit. (ANI)