Sangam: Port of Antwerp Bruges strengthens ties with India

Port of Antwerp-Bruges joined the Belgian economic mission to India with an important delegation, underscoring the importance India holds as a trading partner for the port. From March 3 to 7 the port authority was present at various activities and organize several others. The goal was to strengthen partnerships for a sustainable future with a vital trading partner and the world’s fastest-growing economy.

As the world’s fifth-largest economy by GDP – and projected to become the third-largest by 2030 – India represents a thriving, multifaceted market. As one of Europe’s main ports, Port of Antwerp-Bruges believes India will continue to grow as the “factory of the world”. This makes it a pivotal trading partner for the port. That is supported by the numbers, as trade with India grew by 10% last year. In that same year, India’s import volumes through Port of Antwerp-Bruges increased by more than 22%.

Beyond its industrial capacity, India is known for its globally competitive IT and high-tech sectors...India’s ambitious focus on renewable energy and green molecules aligns with Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ goal to facilitate the energy transition. That is why the port maintains excellent contacts with several companies that are at the forefront of India’s green energy initiatives...Since 1977, Port of Antwerp-Bruges has provided specialized port training through its affiliate, Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center (APEC). The center offers courses in port management, logistics, and strategy. Over 20 000 professionals from across the globe have received training in Antwerp...Center (APEC) and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (POABI) organized the following events during the economic mission:

Visit to the Institute of Foreign Trade and signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding.  The MoU was signed in the presence of Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Industry, Foreign Affairs, Digitalisation, and Facility Management; Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, IIFT, Belgian delegation – Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges; Dirk De fauw, President of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and other esteemed dignitaries from Belgium and India...To celebrate and highlight the excellent Belgian-Indian relations, Port of Antwerp-Bruges launched the initiative of an exclusive gala event in collaboration with Flanders Investment & Trade and supporting Belgian and Indian partners. The festive evening brought a blend of Indian and Belgian entertainment, combined with meaningful content, increasing mutual understanding and paving the way for new ways of cooperation.

Through this event, Port of Antwerp-Bruges demonstrated its pivotal role in creating partnerships, positioning itself as a key player in global trade, and leading the energy transition. However, this event goes beyond highlighting the port alone; it places Belgium as a whole in the spotlight. The key purpose was to celebrate the power of collaboration and the synergy between our two nations, showcasing the expertise and innovation of Belgian industries for an audience of high-level Mumbai business representatives, Indian high-level policy makers and the Belgian delegation.

Sangam, as the event has been described, is derived from Sanskrit, means “coming together” or “confluence,” symbolizing the unity of diverse elements. The gala embodies this spirit by building connections between India and Belgium, tradition and modernity, and shared aspirations for sustainable growth and innovation through partnership.