GCCI organized B2B Meeting and Panel Discussion Event with Port of Antwerp Bruges & Flanders Investment & Trade

Ahmedabad, Nov 20, GCCI ( GUJARAT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY) International Trade Task Force organized a comprehensive event focused on enhancing trade relations between Gujarat and Belgium.
According to a press release issued by Addl. Secretary General, GCCI Rahul Sheth here today This gathering featured prominent shipping and logistics companies from Belgium, fostering productive discussions with their Indian counterparts to explore opportunities in shipping and logistics. The day included a B2B meeting and a panel discussion titled “Enhancing Logistics and Trade between India & Belgium,” taking place at the Hyatt and Radisson Blu hotels in Ahmedabad.
B2B Meeting: Shri Apurva Shah, Vice President, GCCI welcomed attendees, introducing the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) as the apex body representing trade and industry associations in Gujarat. He emphasized the GCCI’s vision of “Grow Busines, Transform Gujarat” and expressed gratitude towards the leadership from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Flanders Investment & Trade. He acknowledged the historical trade ties between Gujarat and Belgium, particularly in the diamond sector, and highlighted the potential for partnerships in various areas including shipping, logistics, warehouse services, container management, consultation services, insurance and terminal operations.
Mr. Luc Arnouts, Vice President, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, provided insights into the extensive services offered by the port and highlighted numerous collaboration opportunities available between Belgian firms and Gujarat’s trade sectors. Ms. Eva Verstraelen, Trade & Investment Commissioner, Flanders Investment & Trade, outlined the organization’s commitment to strengthening trade ties with Gujarat’s industries.
Round Table Discussion: Shri Rajesh Gandhi, Sr. Vice President, GCCI introduced the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) during the round table discussion, emphasizing the organization’s long-standing commitment to fostering trade and industry relations. He also highlighted GCCI’s seven-decade-long efforts to facilitate dialogue between Gujarat’s trade community and international partners.
Shri Navroz Tarapore, Chairman, International Trade Task Force, warmly welcomed all attendees and expressed his sincere appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between Gujarat and Belgium.
Ms. Eva Verstraelen, Trade & Investment Commissioner for Flanders Investment & Trade, highlighted the region’s strong ties with Indian companies, particularly in the logistics and infrastructure sectors. She
expressed optimism about expanding these partnerships, especially with a focus on collaborative projects in Gujarat.
Moderated by Mr. Luc Arnouts, Vice President, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, provided key insights on how the port’s world-class services and infrastructure could facilitate smoother trade connections between India and Belgium. He emphasized that the Port of Antwerp’s strategic location and capacity to handle diverse cargo would complement Gujarat’s shipping and logistics needs, paving the way for future collaborations
The panel discussion covered key topics including trade relations between India and Belgium, logistics infrastructure, energy transition and the impact of geopolitical issues. The panel featured industry leaders such as: Mr. Rama Gopalan A, Business Development Manager, Blackstone Shipping, Belgium, Mr. Lin Charng An, Key Account Manager, Steelduxx NV, Mr. Reginald Van Hissenhoven, Breakbulk & Projects Manager, C. Steinweg Belgium NV, Shri Samir Shah, Director, JBS Jeena, Shri Anil Jain, Founder & CEO, Ascent Finechem.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Shri Sudhanshu Mehta, Hon. Treasurer, GCCI and Chairman of NZBCCI Bharat Chapter, marking a successful initiative aimed at fostering closer economic ties between Gujarat and Belgium in the shipping and logistics sectors. This event reflects ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral trade relations, particularly considering recent discussions on expanding cooperation in sectors such as logistics and sustainable practices.