Luc Arnouts, Vice President International Relations of the Port of Antwerp, together with a high-level delegation of the Port is visiting 3 important regions in India – Mumbai – Pune – Delhi – where they will meet with trade partners and associations to exchange ideas on the situation and evolution of maritime business.
“It is with extreme joy that Port of Antwerp is once again in India after more than two years of restrictions on travelling. We are happy to bring to our long standing Indian partners and friends the exciting scoop of the merger between the Port of Antwerp and the Port of Zeebrugge. The merger is being finalized as we speak,” Luc Arnouts says.
The merger will reinforce the position of both ports within the global supply chain and will ensure the sustainable growth and robust financial position of each.
The unified Port of Antwerp – Bruges will be more resilient to face the challenges of the future and will take a leading role in the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
India an important trade partner for Port of Antwerp-Bruges India is a very important trade partner for the Port of Antwerp. With an overall volume of 7,4 mio tonnes India is ranked on the 6th place . In order to further stimulate and smoothen supply chains between India and Europe, we are currently in the process of developing an acceleration programme with partners from both continents. All exporters and importers active in the trade between India and Europe, can take part. The programme provides advice and hands-on logistics solutions for all commodities.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ central location in the heart of Europe makes it possible to serve a huge consumer market very quickly. Its regular maritime connections with India and trimodal hinterland connections to the whole of Europe, help Indian companies in positioning themselves and their products in the European market.
H.E. Mr François DELHAYE, Ambassador of Belgium in India: “ It is impossible to discuss India-EU trade relations and not talk about the Port of Antwerp, Europe’s largest container port. It is India’s gateway to Europe, connecting India to the rest of the European Union through Belgium’s dense transportation network. Through their permanent office in Mumbai and the JNPT- APEC training center, the Port of Antwerp has also been involved in port development in India since 2006. Their story is therefore not limited to trade alone. It is one of a partnership aimed at elevating each other and creating mutual opportunities. The COVID pandemic of course disrupted many of these joint activities, just like it impacted our trade relations. That is why I’m particularly delighted with this new high level visit from the Port of Antwerp. I am sure it will help to reinforce and strengthen our trade and economic relations with India.”
