Princess Astrid of Belgium Visits JNPA to Strengthen Indo-Belgian Maritime Cooperation

Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, representing His Majesty the King, visited the JNPA-APEC Training Centre with a delegation. The visit, hosted by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Belgium. Princess Astrid and the delegation were briefed by JNPA Chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh on the port’s infrastructure and the upcoming Vadhvan Port Project, which will enhance India’s maritime trade. An important outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between JNPA and APEC-Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre to establish a port-focused training institute in India, promoting maritime education and workforce development.

During the visit, Princess Astrid and the delegation had the opportunity to tour the DEME hopper dredging vessel Congo River and the JNPA-APEC Training Centre. This provided them with insights into JNPA’s sustainable dredging solutions and skill development programs. The visit by Princess Astrid signifies a significant advancement in maritime ties between India and Belgium, emphasizing collaboration in port development, training, and sustainable maritime solutions. The Belgian delegation included senior government officials, diplomats, and industry leaders, showcasing the importance of the visit in fostering stronger maritime relations between the two countries.

Overall, Princess Astrid’s visit to the JNPA-APEC Training Centre, accompanied by a high-level delegation, aimed to enhance maritime cooperation between India and Belgium. The delegation was briefed on the port’s infrastructure and upcoming projects, such as the Vadhvan Port Project. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between JNPA and APEC-Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre was a key highlight, indicating a commitment to establishing a port-focused training institute in India. The visit provided valuable insights into JNPA’s sustainable dredging solutions and skill development programs, further strengthening maritime ties between the two countries.

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