Mumbai, April 10, 2026: The World Trade Center Mumbai, in association with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), hosted a session on “Doing Business with Brussels,” highlighting opportunities for Indian companies in the European market.
Speaking at the event, Bart Vandeputte, Trade & Investment Commissioner, Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai, emphasized that Brussels serves as a strategic gateway to Europe, offering access to over 440 million consumers. He noted Belgium’s strong logistics network, led by the Port of Antwerp, along with investor-friendly policies, ease of business setup, and incentives for innovation.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of World Trade Center Mumbai and President of AIAI, highlighted that India–Belgium trade reached USD 12.91 billion in FY 2025, with exports exceeding USD 6.3 billion. He added that the partnership now spans sectors such as engineering, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing, beyond traditional diamond trade.
Dhanashree Gawankar pointed out Brussels’ cost-effectiveness compared to other European cities, while Sangeeta Jain stressed the importance of global linkages for Indian enterprises.
The session concluded with strong interest from businesses exploring expansion into Europe, reaffirming Brussels as a key entry point to the EU market.
