The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : “Tuticorin, dynamic centre of growth”

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“Tuticorin, dynamic centre of growth”

Staff Reporter

Programme held to facilitate trade between India and European Union countries

NOTE OF OPTIMISM:Jean Joel Schittecatte, Consul-General of Belgium, addressing a programme on Antwerp Port, in Tuticorin on Thursday.

Tuticorin: The Antwerp port Authorities, Belgium, organised a programme in Tuticorin on Thursday to facilitate trade operations between India and European Union countries.

In a bid to increase the flow of cargos between India and Belgium and to attract a large number of port users, foreign delegates highlighted the procedure of shipment. Speaking at a programme on ‘Antwerp Port, a Gateway to Europe and a Crucial Link in Your Supply Chain to and from Europe,' Jean Joel Schittecatte, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai, chief guest, said Tuticorin was one of the dynamic centres of growth with a variety of business activities. “India has been selected by Belgium as a business partner. Building business with Belgium is easy with minimum formalities. Belgium, one of the main trade powers, is the most open economy in the world. It is a strategic centre with so many treasuries,” he said.

The Chamber of Indian Merchants in Mumbai paid a visit to Belgium two years ago. Raj Khalid, Antwerp Port Authority, India Representation, Mumbai, said in 2010, 178 million tonnes of maritime cargos were handled at this port in a cost effective manner. The Port was awarded the best operator in serving its customers. Werner Van Der Cruyssen, Embassy of Belgium, Customs Attache, New Delhi, explained the role of Customs. As for European customs framework, the primary role is to facilitate legitimate business without wasting time and money. The European Union, a conglomerate of twenty-seven member countries, maintained a single customs tariff. T. Johnson, Managing Director, St. John Freight Systems Limited, Tuticorin, said the port authorities warehousing facilities were exceptionally good at the port in Belgium.

The shipping fraternity, EXIM community, members of freight forwarders, Customs House agents and other port users attended the programme.

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