Antwerp Port Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) on a partnership to exploit opportunities arising from China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) strategic development vision.
ICBC, which has just opened an office in Antwerp, is expected to bring the port and related investment opportunities to the attention of Chinese investors, while Antwerp’s business activities will also be promoted among ICBC’s customers.
“Our efforts are directed at strengthening the positions of both sides as part of the OBOR project,” explained chief commercial officer Luc Arnouts. “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.’
“Antwerp is also an important partner for china from the strategic point of view, thanks to the various collaboration agreements with ports or regions along the New Silk Road,” he continued. “Add to that the numerous attractive investment opportunities in our port, and the checklist that led to today’s agreement is complete.”
Port of Antwerp’s trade with China rose by near 40% in 2015. Imports from China were up by more than 60%, largely a result of the double call in Antwerp by the 2M Alliance.
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