Theme: Navigating Strategic Maritime & Shipping Opportunities in the Indo-Dutch Business Corridor
🗓 Date: Thursday, July 3rd, 2025
⏰ Time: 15:00 – 19:15 hrs (Program starts at 15:30 hrs, with ample networking opportunities)
🏢 Venue: Broekman Logistics, Rotterdam
🔗 Register here: https://nicct.nl/events/nibm-events/registration/
This year, NIBM 2025 is taking on a bold new format—leaving behind the traditional setup for a more dynamic, interactive, and engaging experience.
Join us for a talk show-style edition of the Netherlands India Business Meet, where the audience plays a key role in the conversation as well. Expect lively dialogue, real-time insights, and active participation throughout the program.
Set against the backdrop of India’s ambitious Maritime Vision 2030 and the Netherlands’ globally renowned maritime cluster, this year’s meet will dive into the transformative potential of Indo-Dutch cooperation in Maritime and Logistics. With India’s port capacity projected to grow sixfold by 2047, and ongoing investments in green infrastructure and connectivity, the opportunities for collaboration and innovation are greater than ever.
What to Expect:
- An interactive program designed to foster meaningful exchange and insights
- Two table discussions in talk-show-format:
- “Trade Winds: Navigating Trade Flows Between the Netherlands and India in a Geopolitical Landscape”
- “Oceans of Opportunities: Connecting the Maritime Industry Between the Netherlands and India”
- Thematic highlights:
- Maritime Vision 2030 & Indo-Dutch Synergies
- Smart Ports, Sustainable Shipping & Innovation
- Resilient Logistics in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape
- Blue Economy & Green Maritime Technologies
- Top-tier speakers, industry experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs
- Plenty of time for networking and connection-building
🎟 Admission:
- NICCT Members: Free
- Non-Members: €125,- (excl. VAT)
Photos will be uploaded shortly after the event. Be sure to check back later!
This year’s theme will provide a platform for high-level discussions on critical developments shaping Indo-Dutch business relations in the Maritime and Logistics Sector. India’s maritime sector is central to the country’s economic resurgence, with port capacity expected to increase sixfold by 2047. India’s Maritime Vision 2030, a 10-year roadmap with 150 initiatives across ports, shipyards, and inland waterways aims to establish India as a global maritime leader. Several government schemes have been launched to modernize infrastructure, enhance port connectivity, and promote sustainability in the sector. Maritime sector was one of the focus areas for Indo-Dutch collaboration since 2019 and has been a key topic on the agenda on various economic missions that followed. The Netherlands’ maritime industry, or maritime cluster with shipping, shipbuilding, offshore, inland shipping, dredging, ports, navy, fishing, maritime services, yacht building/watersport industry, and marine equipment supply is export-oriented, knowledge-intensive, globally leading and is one of the most important pillars of the Dutch industrial policy.
With the global leadership of the Netherlands in the Maritime and Logistics sectors and the growth plans in the Indian maritime sector are well positioned to open up a wealth of new initiatives, collaborations and investment projects for Indian and Dutch entrepreneurs.
DRAFT PROGRAM
15.00-15.30 Registration
Informal networking
Opening Session
15.30 Start Program
15.30-15.35 Welcome by Rik Pek – Chief Executive Officer Broekman Logistics
15.35-15.40 Welcome by Edith Nordmann – Chairman NICCT
15.40-16.25 Leadership Exchange
“Trade Winds: Navigating Trade Flows Between the Netherlands and India in a Geopolitical Landscape”
Key Topics
Geopolitical Influences on Trade Flows
How geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and new trade agreements (e.g., the EU-India Free Trade Agreement) are affecting trade between the Netherlands and India. The impact on supply chains and how businesses can adapt to these shifting dynamics.
India’s Growth as a Strategic Trade Partner
Opportunities for Dutch exports to India, focusing on sectors such as technology, agriculture, and energy. India’s rapid growth as a market and its importance as a strategic partner for the Netherlands.
Moderation: Vidhya Sampath – NICCT VP Programs and Liaison to Advisory Board – Director Corporate Affairs Europe – Tata Consultancy Services
15.40-16.00 In conversation with:
– H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin – Ambassador of India to The Netherlands (online)
– H.E. Mrs. Marisa Gerards – Ambassador of The Netherlands to India (online)
16.00-16.25 In Conversation with:
*Rik Pek – Chief Executive Officer Broekman Logistics
*Jeroen Scholten – Global Trade Leader – EY
*Ir. Boudewijn Siemons – CEO – Port of Rotterdam (tbc)
16.25-16.30 “Anchors of Innovation – Logistics & Martime” – Pitch 1
16.30-16.45 Break, Informal networking for participants
16.45-16.50 “Anchors of Innovation – Logistics & Martime” – Pitch 2
16.50-17.35 Visionary Talks “Oceans of Opportunities: Connecting the Maritime Industry Between the Netherlands and India”
Key Topics
PPT Partnerships (Increasing Port Capacity and Building New Ports in India), Dredging, Boosting Cargo Traffic and Logistics, Shipbuilding, (Building) Cruise Tourism (Building Cruise Terminals and Cruise Tourism), Technological Uptake in General (automation) and Digital Transformation, Maritime Sustainability and Decarbonisation
Moderation: Vipin Moharir – Founder & Board Member, Group Chief Strategy Officer – Gateway Group
*Bart Kuipers, PhD – Port Economist – Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics
*Jaco Kleijwegt – Area Sales Manager India – Royal IHC
*Peter Goedvolk – Chairman Rotterdam Martime Board (tbc)
17.35-17.45 “Anchors of Innovation – Logistics & Maritime” Pitch 3
Audience Voting
Award
17.45-17.50 Wrap up
17.50-19.15 Informal networking with drinks and snacks
We are actively preparing an exceptional program for you. Check frequently to see which subject matter expert speakers have been confirmed.
Our confirmed speakers this year are (in the flow of the program):
Opening session:
Rik Pek – CEO – Broekman Logistics
Rik (1981), a Dutch national, coach of the field hockey team of his elder son – but also big supporter of the team of his youngest one, is holding a Master of Science (MSc) in Business and Economics from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam.
He started his career at Broekman Logistics in 2006 as a Management Trainee, quickly followed by several operational and commercial management positions. In 2011 he became General Manager of the breakbulk terminals, prior to his promotion to Managing Director of the Breakbulk and International Freight Forwarding divisions in 2015.
In March 2021, Rik became the fifth CEO of Broekman Logistics in its 60 years’ history, following the company’s long tradition to fill the top management position with a manager from its own ranks.
Edith Nordmann – Chairman NICCT & Managing Partner ACG International
Edith Nordmann LL.M. is Chairman of the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and Trade (NICCT) and Managing Partner at ACG International, a corporate law firm based in Amsterdam.
She is an expert in employment law and a seasoned corporate and commercial litigator, representing both companies and individuals in complex legal matters. Her practice includes cross-border transactions, contract disputes, and national and international litigation. As a certified mediator and arbitrator, she also assists clients in resolving disputes amicably and efficiently.
Fluent in German (native), English, Dutch, French, and Italian, Edith bridges not only language but also cultural and legal differences—placing her in a unique position to navigate cross-border challenges.
Edith is set on sharing her knowledge and empowering the young generations of professionals by way of mentoring and giving guest-lectures at universities across Europe and India. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded an honorary doctorate (Dr. h.c.). She is currently a member of the B20 Task Force under the G20 Presidency of South Africa in 2025, continuing her active engagement following previous roles in the B20 Task Forces under India and Brazil’s G20 Presidencies.
Alongside her legal and policy work, Edith is committed to social impact and lends her expertise to various charitable and professional organizations, using her voice to empower others and promote meaningful change.
Session: “Trade Winds: Navigating Trade Flows Between the Netherlands and India in a Geopolitical Landscape”
Vidhya Sampath – NICCT VP Programs and Liaison to Advisory Board – Senior Director Corporate Affairs & External Relations – Tata Consultancy Services – Moderator at NIBM 2025
Vidhya Sampath serves as the head of Corporate and European Affairs for Tata Consultancy Services across TCS’ European operations. Prior to this she served as the Director External Relations for Europe and as the Marketing Head for TCS Benelux, a period that saw exceptionally fast growth for TCS.
Vidhya has served as the Director of the Europe India Institute at Nyenrode Business University and initiated the Netherlands India Institute.
As a private consultant she advised several major corporates and public institutions in Europe on business collaboration with India and has orchestrated several high-level missions to India.
Vidhya serves presently as a Vice President on the board of the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and Trade and is on the advisory Board to the Europe India Chamber of Commerce.
Vidhya holds a Bachelors degree in Architecture (cum laude), a Masters degree in Urban development and Housing Studies and a MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management. Vidhya is a fully certified yoga teacher and enjoys teaching and practicing yoga on a daily basis.
H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin – Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of The Netherlands
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin is the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is also responsible for India’s relations with OPCW, ICJ, PCA and other legal institutions in The Hague.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1991 and earlier served as Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) from December 2021 to October 2024, Ambassador to Hungary from November 2018 to November 2021 and High Commissioner to Namibia from June 2015 to October, 2018.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin started his career in the Indian Mission in Hong Kong in 1993, where he served till 1995. Subsequently, he moved to the Indian Embassy in Beijing where he worked as a political officer from 1995 to 1999. Thereafter, he has served in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva (1999-2002), in the Indian Embassy in Hanoi (2005-2009) and as Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of India in San Francisco (2009-2012).
He has also served in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi in various capacities including as Deputy Secretary/Director dealing with China and East Asia matters during 2002- 2005. During 2012-2015, he headed the Development Partnership Administration Division in the Ministry dealing with the entire capacity building programs of the Govt of India, including the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme as well as implementation of grant assistance projects in South East Asia, Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America and setting up of Centres of Excellence in IT and the Vocational Training Centres abroad.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin is a mechanical engineer by training and served in the Indian railways services of mechanical engineers for a few years before joining the Indian Foreign Service.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin speaks Hindi (Mother Tongue), English, Chinese and French (limited). He has published an article entitled “India’s development cooperation through capacity building” in a book “India’s Approach to Development Cooperation” by Routledge, 2016.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin is married and has two daughters.
H.E. Mrs. Marisa Gerards – Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands to India
HE Ms Marisa Gerards is the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Nepal and Bhutan. She has started working in this role as of August 2023 and is based in the city of New Delhi. Ambassador Gerards presented her credentials to the President of India on 21 August 2023.
Prior to her current assignment, she was the Director General at the Ministry of Defence in the Netherlands after having served for 4 years as Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to NATO. From 2014 till 2018 Marisa was accredited as Ambassador to South Africa (Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswathini).
Ms Gerards was born in Amsterdam and has pursued her education at the University of Amsterdam in European Studies. In her diplomatic career of three decades, she has served in various capacities in various countries and at various Ministries and Institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, The Hague.
She is married to Mr. Peter Knoope who serves as an associate fellow of the Clingendael Institute for International Relations and is the founder of the ICCT – The Hague.
Jeroen Scholten – Global Trade Leader – EY
Jeroen Scholten is the EY Global Trade Leader for Indirect Tax, bringing a wealth of experience in global trade account management, planning, and managed services. With a proven track record of working closely with multinational organizations across diverse sectors including automotive, apparel, consumer products, chemicals, medical devices, life sciences, and industrial services, Jeroen delivers critical insights on global trade, supply chain, data analytics, and operational challenges.
His expertise extends to assisting clients with transfer pricing strategies, trade account management, managed services, and valuation planning, making him a trusted advisor in navigating complex trade landscapes. Prior to his current role, Jeroen served as the US-East Region Global Tax Trade Leader at Ernst & Young LLP, contributing significantly to the EY organization in various capacities.
Jeroen holds an MS in Tax Economics from Maastricht University and a Post-Master in Indirect Taxation from Erasmus University Rotterdam. His academic background complements his extensive professional experience, positioning him as a thought leader in the field.
Recognized for his contributions to the industry, Jeroen is a sought-after speaker and frequently shares his insights at conferences and in industry publications. His commitment to excellence and innovation drives his passion for helping clients achieve their business objectives in an ever-evolving global trade environment.
Session: “Oceans of Opportunities: Connecting the Maritime Industry Between the Netherlands and India”
Vipin Moharir – Co-Founder and Group Chief Strategy Officer – The Gateway Corp – Moderator at NIBM
With a unique Indian heritage complemented by Dutch and international exposure, Vipin Moharir embodies the spirit of a serial entrepreneur.
He is the Co-Founder and Group Chief Strategy Officer of The Gateway Corp, a principal holding company promoting independent operating entities across the Gateway Group. The company is headquartered in India and the Netherlands.
In his role as Group Chief Strategy Officer, Vipin plays a critical part in shaping strategy, ensuring execution, and driving measurable results across The Gateway Corp.
Vipin brings over 30+ years of managerial and consulting expertise to his role, having co-founded several startups across IT and other industries. Known for his innovative and hands-on approach, he has accelerated business growth, driven innovation, and led technology transformations for startups, scale-ups, and mid-sized enterprises worldwide. His experience spans building and managing international teams and business operations in 17 countries across five continents.
Recognized for his contributions with various awards, Vipin is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in technology and business transformation. His insights are frequently featured in industry journals and media outlets.
Vipin’s Indian heritage enriches his business approach, and he is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. He is a GenZ enthusiast and lives by the mantra, “There is no substitute for hard work,” evident in his pursuit of excellence in all his endeavors.
Jaco Kleijwegt – Area Sales Manager – Royal IHC
Mr. Jaco Kleijwegt currently serves as the Area Sales Manager at Royal IHC, where he brings over two decades of expertise in capital goods sales within the shipbuilding industry, marine contracting sector, and container handling equipment industry. In his current role, Mr. Kleijwegt holds the crucial responsibility of spearheading new build vessel sales in the Dredging and Offshore markets of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
In his capacity as Area Sales Manager, Mr. Kleijwegt is a driving force behind Royal IHC’s market expansion efforts in the Indian subcontinent. He leverages his 12 years of experience within various business units of Royal IHC to oversee and facilitate the sales process for cutting-edge vessels tailored to meet the unique needs of the Dredging and Offshore sector in the region. His role involves strategic planning, client engagement, and negotiation to ensure the successful execution of sales initiatives, thereby contributing significantly to the company’s growth and market leadership.
Before assuming his current role, Jaco Kleijwegt has had a remarkable career trajectory within Royal IHC. His ability to excel in capital goods sales has earned him recognition and success in various positions. Additionally, his extensive experience spanning multiple facets of the shipbuilding industry underscores his versatility and dedication to the field. Mr. Kleijwegt’s track record boasts not only his exemplary performance but also his commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence.
Jaco Kleijwegt’s educational background further enhances his professional prowess. He holds a Bsc. Level qualification from the Nautical Institute “de Ruyter,” a Msc. Degree in Maintenance and Safety Management from the prestigious University of Bradford, and a Bsc. in Export Marketing Management from Hogeschool Inholland. These educational achievements showcase his commitment to continuous learning and innovation. Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Kleijwegt’s interests likely contribute to his well-rounded expertise, making him a dynamic and resourceful individual in the field.
In summary, Mr. Jaco Kleijwegt, in his role as Area Sales Manager at Royal IHC, is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in capital goods sales within the maritime industry. His remarkable journey, commitment to excellence, and strong educational background make him a valuable asset to both his organization and the industry as a whole.
Rutger van Dam – Business Development Manager – Damen Ship Repair
Through strategic networking and relentless effort, he has cultivated a strong global network, leaving a lasting sustainable impact on the maritime sector. Despite his youth, he has demonstrated his commitment to excellence, consistently exceeding expectations and making significant contributions to the industry’s advancement. As a business development manager, he is continuously bringing people together for the benefit of a green future.
Bart Kuipers, PhD – Port Economist – Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics
Bart Kuipers works as an advisor for port authorities, port companies, port cities, regional and national governments and the EU. His advice is based on the academic practice of Erasmus University Rotterdam. As an economic geographer, Bart obtained his PhD on research into the port-related chemical industry. He conducted extensive research into the container industry, regional economics and port scenario research, inland shipping and ports and the maritime industry. Maritime manufacturing is one of his research interests. He conducted research into the future of the larger maritime cluster of the port of Rotterdam, the economic structure of the Dutch maritime industry and into ‘maritime hotspots’ in the Netherlands such as the Drechtsteden and the port of Schiedam. After a visit to Mumbai, he was invited to write an essay on greenfield development for Indian ports. Bart teaches port economics at Erasmus University and gave courses for various companies.
Our confirmed StartUp/Scale-up Nominees:
Anurag Mawal – Founder & CEO – Surpluss
Anurag Mawal is the Founder & CEO of Surpluss, a Singapore-headquartered tech startup revolutionising how businesses liquidate excess inventory. A software engineer and alumnus of Cambridge Judge Business School, Anurag launched Surpluss in 2022 and has since built a global B2B liquidation platform operating in 10+ countries. Surpluss has enabled the redistribution of over 250 million surplus units across healthcare, equipment, and FMCG sectors—unlocking $400M+ in stuck inventory value. With a mission rooted in circular commerce and sustainability, the company now focuses on reverse logistics for maritime and port-based inventory between India and the Netherlands. Anurag is committed to aligning trade efficiency with environmental impact, driving Indo-Dutch collaboration in the evolving maritime and logistics ecosystem.
Timo Pauel – Business Development Manager – QuinteQ Energy
Timo Pauel is business development manager at QuinteQ Energy, a Dutch start-up developing compact flywheel energy storage for peak shaving applications.
Since joining QuinteQ in 2020 Pauel has brought together engineering and commerce to drive innovation alongside end users. One of his most impactful initiatives is an open innovation project involving five Dutch construction companies and Van der Spek Vianen. This collaboration tested Quinteq’s flywheel technology on tower cranes, providing real-world data and insight into peak shaving under varied site conditions. The development of the Thor flywheel is a direct result of this.
Pranav Tetali – Founder & CEO – Omniwind
Pranav is the Founder and CEO of Omni Wind, a Dutch clean-tech startup pioneering intelligent small wind turbines for the maritime sector. With over a decade of experience in renewable energy and innovation, he brings deep expertise in technology development, systems integration, and energy optimization software. Pranav is currently leading Omni Wind’s pilot deployments, R&D, and business development efforts. He is passionate about building scalable, off-grid clean energy solutions that support decarbonization across ports, shipyards, and industrial microgrids.
Get ready to connect with your peers!
These participants already registered: Deelnemerslijst 17.6.2025
