BRUSSELS: A delegation from the Port of Antwerp visited Iran on an exploratory mission to develop relations between Iran and the port community.
A delegation from the Port of Antwerp visited Iran on an exploratory mission to develop relations between Iran and the port community.
A delegation from Belgium’s Port of Antwerp paid a visit to Iran on an exploratory mission to develop relations between Iran and the port community.
The experts, including Port Authority chairman Marc Van Peel, met in Tehran with various ministries, petrochemical organizations and private companies.
“Up until 2010, Antwerp was the largest European port destination for Iranian cargoes. In the light of the recent nuclear agreement and [the prospects for the lifting of] economic sanctions, we wanted to let the Iranians know directly that Antwerp is still the ideal hub for reaching the European hinterland,” said Van Peel.
“There is also great demand on the Iranian side for know-how concerning port infrastructure, among other things. Port of Antwerp International and the Antwerp Flanders Port Training Centre are ready to support the Iranian port community in these areas,” he added.
The mission was mainly aimed at making contacts with official bodies and included meetings with high profile members of the Islamic Republic Shipping Line, Iranian Customs and the Iranian Investment Organization.
Discussions covered Iran’s ambitions in the shipping and commerce industry as well as the role that the Port of Antwerp could play in attaining these Iranian objectives.
“In all respects the mission was certainly successful, opening up prospects both for Iran and for our port,” Van Peel concluded.
