October 27 - A delegation of petrochemical and shipping experts from the port of Antwerp has visited Iran to meet various ministries, petrochemical organisations and private companies to seek ways to re-open the doors of Iran for the Antwerp port communit
The exploratory mission was mainly aimed at making contacts with official bodies. It included meetings with among others Mr Saeednejad, head of the Ports and Maritime Organisation, Dr Saeidi, head of the Islamic Republic Shipping Line, Masoud Karbasian, head of the Iranian Customs service and Seyed Jamal Hosseini, vice-chairman of the Iranian Investment Organisation. The discussions covered Iran's ambitions in shipping and commerce, as well as the role that the port of Antwerp could play in attaining these Iranian objectives.
"Up until 2010 Antwerp was the largest European port destination for Iranian cargoes," said Marc Van Peel, port alderman and Antwerp Port Authority chairman. "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. 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."
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| François Delhaye, Belgian ambassador; Marc Van Peel, port alderman and Antwerp Port Authority chairman; Mr. Saeednejad, head of the Ports and Maritime Organisation. |
