'Sister city pact will help both Belgium and Kochi'

Says Belgium Ambassador to India Jan Luykx who is here as part of the delegate team to aid Kochi in urban development
'Sister city pact will help both Belgium and Kochi'

KOCHI: Belgium Ambassador to India Jan Luykx is on a mission. He is back to Kochi after a gap of 26 years, but Luykx says nothing much changed here, economically.

As part of the delegate team that is here to offer technological and developmental assistance to the Kochi Corporation for implementing the  Smart City Mission project which envisages beautifying the city, Luykx  expresses his interest in making Kochi a sister city of Belgium.

The trade mission was attended by the major technical, infrastructure and financial-supporting companies from Belgium. They have also visited the areas proposed for beautification. In an interview with Express, Jan Luykx reveals his future plans and association with India and especially with Kochi.

What is the main purpose of organising such a trade session in Kochi?

The main purpose of this move to establish and thereby boost a trade  relation with Southern cities of the country, especially Kochi. We are also  interested in signing a sister-city agreement with Kochi. As its a matter of   policy, it can't be initiated with immediate effect. A discussion with the   Corporation is needed. A discussion with the Kochi Mayor is on the cards.

What do you expect in return from supporting the Smart City project?

There are several things such as waste managment, drinking issues and  transport that are common between Belgium and South India. Sharing   technology and expertise in urban development will benefit Kochi which is a true candidate for Smart City project in India. If we reach a mutual   understanding, it would directly and indirectly benefit both countries.

How you are going to make the city a beautiful?

The companies, that have come with us, have already set a model to sort out  the issues faced by Kochi. Brussel, the capital of Belgium, is a densely   populated city with heavy traffic congestion but we have sorted out that by using technology and expertise in urban planning. So, we hope that the same expertise in idea and technology can be implemented here.

You are visiting to the city after a gap of nearly 26 years. How do you  rate the developmental activities here?

It can be frankly said that the city has not yet developed the way it should have in two decades. But, the Western part of the Kochi seems to have  achieved a gradual development but that has not been replicated in other parts.

Is Kochi the only one city that you have chosen for providing the guidance?

No. We are aiming at establishing a relation with the Southern cities of  India. So we have also plans to visit Coimbatore and Chennai to offer help.

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