Natural gas has also played a big role in the prosperity of the Netherlands.
PM Narendra Modi reached Netherlands after UAE on the second day of his four-nation tour. This is his second visit. Earlier, PM had visited Netherlands in June 2017. It is expected that during this visit, many agreements will be signed between the two countries in the fields of defence, green hydrogen, innovation etc. On the pretext of PM Modi’s visit, let us know how the Netherlands, a small country in Europe, keeps itself rich? What are the main sources of income?
Netherlands is a small but very powerful country in Europe. The land is less, but the income is huge. For this reason, even big countries of the world look at the Netherlands seriously. Even if you want to say it in few words, the answer is hidden in many parts. Natural gas, tulip cultivation, green house farming, Rotterdam port, milk and dairy business, water management and modern technology are the backbone of its earnings. Netherlands has been able to convert its every strength into income. This is his biggest success. According to the World Bank, the GDP of Netherlands in 2024 will be about 1.23 trillion dollars. IMF has estimated the GDP of Netherlands for the year 2026 at about 1.45 trillion dollars.
Natural gas gave big income
Natural gas has also played a big role in the prosperity of the Netherlands. This country was known for gas production in Europe for a long time. In particular, the Groningen gas field brought great benefits to the Netherlands. This gas gave energy to the country. Gave revenue to the government. Gave strength to industries and strengthened the economy. Earnings from natural gas helped the Netherlands spend on infrastructure. Investments took place in roads, ports, technology and social facilities. Although later steps were taken to limit gas production due to seismic concerns, it is true that natural gas made a major contribution in strengthening the economic foundation of the country.
Currency of Netherlands.
Trade rains from the port of Rotterdam
Another major source of income for the Netherlands is Rotterdam Port. It is among the largest and busiest ports in Europe. Ships come here from all over the world. Oil comes. Gas comes. Machines come. Food items arrive. From here this goods reaches other countries of Europe. Netherlands gets huge economic benefit from this. Earning comes from transport. Income comes from warehouses. Logistics companies benefit. The government gets taxes. Lakhs of people get work. This is the reason why Netherlands is also called the Gateway of Europe.
Netherlands is the largest tulip producing country.
Worldwide recognition of tulip cultivation
When the name of Netherlands comes to mind, tulip flowers come to mind. Tulip is the identity of this place. It is not just a symbol of beauty. This is also a big source of income. Every year lakhs and crores of flowers are grown here. Exported all over the world. There is a big trade in gardens, bulbs, plants and cut flowers here. Farmers, traders, exporters and the tourism sector all benefit from this. Tourists from all over the world also reach the Netherlands during tulip season. This increases the income of hotels, travel, restaurants and local markets.That is, a flower here is both farming, trade and also a means of tourism.
Tourists from all over the world also reach the Netherlands during tulip season.
Green house farming changed the picture
The great strength of the Netherlands is its greenhouse farming. This farming is modern. It is scientific and also very beneficial. The temperature is controlled in the green house. Water is saved. More production takes place in less space. The crop is less dependent on weather. The quality remains better. Due to this technology, Netherlands produces large quantities of vegetables, fruits, flowers and seeds even on very little land. Tomato, capsicum, cucumber, lettuce and many types of flowers are grown here on a large scale. Then these are sent to Europe and other markets of the world. Income from greenhouse farming has placed the Netherlands among the top countries in the world in agricultural exports.
Science in farming, hence earning more
The Netherlands did not leave farming to tradition. He connected farming with science. This is his real strength. There are better seeds here. Sensor based irrigation. It is data based farming. Machines are used. More production with less water. This is the reason why agriculture here is not just a means of filling the stomach, but is also a major means of earning foreign exchange. This model is very important for a country like India. Farmers with less land can also learn from this. Income can be increased through green houses, drip irrigation and high-value crops.
Netherlands is a big market for milk, cheese, butter and other dairy products.
Dairy and food processing also strong
The Netherlands is not just a country of flowers and vegetables. It is also very strong in the dairy business. There is a big market for milk, cheese, butter and other dairy products here. These products are exported across the world. The food processing industry is also strong. Raw products are converted into finished goods. Then it is sold at a higher price. This method increases the income manifold.
Won not by fighting but by managing water
A large part of the Netherlands is below sea level, which means water has always been a challenge here. But this country turned this challenge into an opportunity. Build dams. Canals were built. Pumping systems were prepared. The land was saved from the sea. Today water management is also a source of income for the Netherlands. Other countries learn technology from here. Consultancy is available. Engineering services are provided i.e. expertise related to water is also an economic strength here.
Netherlands is also ahead in green house farming.
Why is Netherlands important for India?
Relations between India and Netherlands are not merely formal. Trade between the two countries is increasing. Investment is increasing. Technical cooperation is also getting stronger. Netherlands is important for India for many reasons. We can gain a lot through European market access, port and logistics cooperation, experience in natural gas and energy sector, greenhouse farming techniques, flower and seed trade, water management, dairy and food processing, clean technology and innovation etc. This means that this relationship is not just about diplomacy but also about the economy.
Bilateral trade is worth two lakh crores
Trade relations between India and Netherlands are very strong. The Netherlands is one of the most important trading partners in Europe. The annual bilateral trade between the two countries is approximately 25 to 28 billion dollars i.e. more than Rs 2 lakh crore. Netherlands has become the world’s third largest export destination for India. India mainly exports refined oil, aluminum and iron goods, electronic goods, clothes and medicines etc. Modern machinery and equipment, medical equipment, chemicals and plastic products, agricultural and dairy technology etc. reach India from the Netherlands. The fourth largest investor country investing in India is Netherlands. The good thing is that India has the upper hand in trade with the Netherlands, that is, India sends more goods there and imports less.
In simple words, it can be said that Netherlands, a small country, gives a big message to the world. If he has a plan, technology and proper use of resources. Netherlands is not only a beautiful country in Europe but also a smart model of earning. This is the reason why this partner becomes very important even for a big country like India.
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