By Mewati Sitaram
The Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai His Excellency Frank Geerkens called on the Governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais on Monday, June 5th, 2023 at his official residence, Raj Bhavan at Malabar Hill in Mumbai. It was a courtesy call.
While meeting with the Governor, the CG said that unlike popular perception that cricket originated in England, the game of cricket actually originated in Belgium. He said Flemish weavers took it to England in the 16th Century. It maybe true that cricket, the pride of England. While it is true that England is the home of cricket, what is less well known is that the sport originally found its way to England from Flanders. It was first brought over by Flemish weavers in the late Middle Ages.
CG Geerkens further added that even though cricket originated in Belgium and the word ‘cricket’ itself has an old French origin, the game is today more popular in India where it enjoys the status of a ‘religion’.
CG mentioned that Mumbai and Antwerp are diamond hubs, he said the two countries can increase their volume of trade significantly from the present level of 15.1 billion euros by enhancing their relations.
Welcoming the Consul General to Maharashtra, Governor Ramesh Bais called for enhancing cooperation between the Universities in Maharashtra and Belgium.
It may be noted that Belgium–India relations are the bilateral ties between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of Belgium. India and Belgium share the common values of “democracy, pluralism and rule of law” and Belgium has supported the G4 nations. The former deputy Prime Minister of Belgium Steven Vanackere had said that “slowly but surely” India was getting its “rightful place in global governance”. He reiterated that Belgium “unequivocally” reconfirmed its support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the enlarged United Nations Security Council. The Government of India spoke about how Belgium and India were “partners in a globalised world”.
It is worth mentioning that around 170 Belgian companies are based in India, whereas around 95 Indian companies have their footprint in Belgium. India is the second-largest importer of Belgian products and the fifth-largest exporter of Belgian products. Trade in diamonds dominates the bilateral trade between the two countries. 170 Belgian companies are based in India, whereas around 95 Indian companies have their footprint in Belgium.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
