Port Authority reinforces links with India

A deputation from Antwerp Port Authority led by port alderman Marc Van Peel will pay a working visit to India from 27 to 31 January. The delegation will among other things take part in the CTL Imex conference, the largest international transport and logistics exhibition in India, and will organise various port events. The aim of the mission is to further strengthen links with business relations in India.

The activities will start on Tuesday 27 January with a presentation given to a wide range of Indian shippers and logistics companies, in the Belgian embassy in Delhi. On the following day the delegation will visit the western city of Puna, and on 30 January there will be a seminar in Mumbai. From 29 to 31 January part of the delegation will represent the Port Authority at the CTL-Imex conference. During the mission, potential new customers will also be approached.

The Port Authority has long been aware of the Indian growth potential, and so it is investing specifically in closer collaboration with businesses and local authorities in that country. Antwerp Port Authority already has a full-time representative in India, and has signed friendship agreements with the Mundra and Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva) port authorities. Further, the Antwerp knowledge centre APC provides specialist consulting and advice for business relations in India.

Antwerp is by far the largest European import and export port for India, with a market share of over 30%. Project cargo and commodities such as steel, forest products and granite make up a significant proportion of the freight flows in both directions. The total volume of containers handled for India rose spectacularly in 2008 to over 220,000 TEU, 20% up on the previous year.

Source: Antwerp Port Authority