Local firms reap rewards of Indian visit

Charleroi video specialists Dirty Monitor projected a 3D video map on to the facade of the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, as part of a state visit to India by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. Founded in 2004, Dirty Monitor is a creative studio that specialises in video mapping, VJing, digital art and other audiovisual productions. Video mapping creates a 2D image using three-dimensional perspective, projects it on to a flat surface and provides an illusion of depth. The process becomes much more complex when the canvas is not a rectangular plane but has its own textures and features, and when it’s a large surface – such as the side of a building. Dirty Monitor also adds animation to the mix, which makes each commission even more demanding.

Indian natural sugar company Petiva is to set up a base in Wallonia, following an agreement signed by Wallonia’s minister-president, Willy Borsus, during the state visit. The startup is looking for local farmers to help develop its production of low-sugar beetroot-based products. The multi-million-euro investment could create up to 50 jobs and be operational by 2019. Two greenfield sites are being studied for the site. Petiva products use ‘rare sugars’ that are found in the nectar of flowers or beehives, but which exist in too small quantities to be exploited economically.

Trappist brewery Chimay signed an agreement in India to commercialise its Chimay Rouge et Dorée brews in the country. It is teaming up with Flemish brewer Huyghe, which produces Delirium Tremens, to reduce costs. Both brewers will distribute their products via Indian company Hema Connoisseur Collections. Chimay’s brews continue to be brewed within the abbey’s walls under the supervision of monks, with a majority of profits supporting social projects.

Vésale Pharma finalised a partnership deal with Indian company Morepen Laboratories to exclusively distribute four of its flagship products. The five-year contract is worth an estimated €4.5 million for its first three years, but could rise by 20% in each following year. India’s increasing appetite for probiotic products is worth around €135 million a year and is increasing by 15% a year. In December 2016, Eghezée-based Vésale Pharma opened an office in New Delhi with the assistance of the Wallonia Export-Investment Agency, AWEX. It also recently created an outlet in Texas, US, in a research collaboration with the University of Texas A&M.

Photo: Benoit Doppagne/Belga