Source: Xinhua    Published: 2015-10-28

Belgium`s Port of Antwerp is looking to "further consolidate" its ties with China and play an active role in the implementation of China-proposed "Belt and Road" initiative, the port authority chairman Marc Van Peel announced on Tuesday in Antwerp.

Marc Van Peel, who is also vice-mayor of Antwerp, made the remarks while speaking at the third edition of Antwerp port`s "China Day", which was set up in 2010 to celebrate links between the Antwerp port community and Chinese businesses.

Van Peel said a "Belt and Road" initiative workforce had been set up to ensure the port takes "the right strategic decisions towards China," including stepping up friendly relations with Chinese ports.

"China is very important to the Port of Antwerp, the port has a long-standing friendship with China," he said.

According to the port authority, Chinese trade represents 5.0 percent of Antwerp`s annual traffic, or 10 million tonnes, up 38.1 percent in a year.

"Antwerp is attractive for Chinese investment," Van Peel added. "Companies are looking for new investment opportunities in the Port of Antwerp. They are of course welcome. This investment will certainly further strengthen and develop the relationship with China."

The "Belt and Road" initiative, standing for the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. It brings together countries in Asia, Europe and even Africa, with the purpose of boosting infrastructure building, financial cooperation and cultural exchanges in those regions.