Antwerp cements Belt and Road involvement
Antwerp Port Authority and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) have signed a partnership agreement which aims to bring growth and investment opportunities for both.
The Memorandum of Understanding expands on the ‘One Belt One Road’ strategic plan launched by China in 2013 to help link Chinese industrial cities more closely with commercial centres elsewhere in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Antwerp has been identified as an important region and, through this agreement, ICBC will bring the port authority to the attention of investors and customers.
Luc Arnouts, chief commercial officer of the Antwerp Port Authority said: “Our efforts are directed at strengthening the positions of both sides as part of the One Belt One Road project.”
“Antwerp is an attractive partner not only because of its location in the heart of Europe; its many overseas shipping connections make Antwerp a leading port at the western end of the modern ‘Silk Road’,” he added.
The port has been keen to increase its market share in China and in 2015 its efforts were reflected in the freight figures, which saw the volume of shipping trade with China rise by almost 40%.
The agreement was signed at the official opening of the ICBC’s Antwerp branch in Brasschaat Castle, adding to its existing branch in Brussels and expanding the bank’s presence in Belgium.
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