Port of Antwerp aims to strengthen trade with Iran

A delegation from the port met in Tehran, Iran with various ministries, petrochemical organizations and private companies to discuss Iran’s ambitions in shipping and commerce and the role the Port of Antwerp could play in those objectives.    A delegation from the Port of Antwerp, which consisted of petrochemical and shipping experts, met in Tehran, Iran last week with various ministries, petrochemical organizations and private companies, the port said in a statement.
   During the program, which was planned in close collaboration with the Belgian embassy, Iran’s ambitions in shipping and commerce were discussed, along with how the Port of Antwerp could play a role in fulfilling these objectives.
   The program also included a meeting with several private Iranian companies and consultancies that have expert knowledge on Iran’s shipping industry.
   “Up until 2010, Antwerp was the largest European port destination for Iranian cargoes. In the light of the recent nuclear agreement and the raising of economic sanctions, we wanted to let the Iranians know directly that Antwerp is still the ideal hub for reaching the European hinterland,” Port Alderman and Port Authority Chairman Marc Van Peel said of the meetings. “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. In all respects the mission was certainly successful, opening up prospects both for Iran and for our port.”
   Situated along the Sheldt River in Belgium, the Port of Antwerp handles container cargo, liquid and dry bulk, break bulk and roll-on/roll-off traffic.