Brussels emerges as strategic EU gateway for Indian businesses: Envoy

Mumbai: Brussels offers a strategic gateway to Europe, with access to over 440 million affluent consumers and among the largest import markets globally at the heart of global trade, said Bart Vandeputte, Trade & Investment Commissioner, Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai.

“With nearly 75 per cent of Europe’s GDP located within a 1,000-kilometre radius, companies establishing a presence in Brussels are effectively positioning themselves at the heart of the European economy,” said Vandeputte during a interaction session on “Doing Business with Brussels,” hosted by the World Trade Center Mumbai, in association with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI).

“Belgium’s strengths in logistics anchored by the Port of Antwerp, along with its robust R&D ecosystem and investor-friendly policies, make it an ideal destination for global expansion. With no restrictions on foreign ownership, a fast-track business setup process, and strong incentives for innovation, Brussels presents significant opportunities for Indian companies, particularly in sectors such as life sciences, digital technologies, green transition, and advanced manufacturing,” said Vandeputte.

The meeting was aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between India and the Brussels-Capital Region.

The session brought together industry stakeholders, exporters, importers, MSME’s to explore emerging opportunities for collaboration and growth across sectors such as trade, logistics, technology, and sustainable development.

“India–Belgium trade has demonstrated steady growth, reaching approximately $2.91 billion in FY 2025, with Indian exports alone accounting for over $6.3 billion across nearly 3,000 products. While Belgium has traditionally been associated with the diamond trade, today the partnership spans a far wider spectrum including engineering goods, chemicals, petroleum products, and advanced manufacturing. Belgium, along with the Belgium–Luxembourg Economic Union (BLEU), continues to be a key gateway for Indian businesses into the European Union,” said Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC-Mumbai and President, AIAI.

“The Port of Antwerp stands out as one of Europe’s most strategic logistics hubs, reflecting Belgium’s strength in trade facilitation and global connectivity. With cumulative FDI inflows of around USD 4 billion into India over the past 25 years, the relationship has strong institutional depth. Going forward, there is immense potential to collaborate in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and circular economy initiatives. As India moves towards becoming a $5 trillion economy and beyond, partnerships with innovation-driven economies like Belgium will play a crucial role in accelerating this growth trajectory.” added Dr Kalantri.

Dhanashree Gawankar, Trade & Investment Officer, Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai, said, “Brussels offers a practical and cost-effective gateway for Indian companies looking to expand into Europe, especially when compared to cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam. What makes it particularly attractive is the ease of setting up a business with no restrictions on foreign ownership, simple processes, and relatively low initial costs. Beyond this, companies also benefit from strong on-ground support in the form of funding, incubation, and market access, making it easier to establish, grow, and eventually scale across the European Union.”