Logistic Seminar in CT showcasing Wallonia as gateway to the EU01/06/2021

On 27 May 2021, the office of AWEX Johannesburg co-organised a hybrid seminar on “Belgium, gateway to Europe for the Western Cape companies” with the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Consulate General of Belgium in Cape Town and the Belgian Chamber of Commerce Cape Town, in partnership with Wesgro (Trade, Tourism and Investment Promotion Agency for the Western Cape), Liege Airport and the Port of Antwerp.

This successful event gathered 30 people online and 30+ in-person at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cape Town, who engaged with the high-profile and passionate panel of speakers.

Mathias Bogaert, the first Belgian Consul General in Cape Town, opened the floor by underlying that to enter the European Union you need the best location, location, location and that is Belgium, Belgium, Belgium! Tim Harris, the CEO of Wesgro, then called for more connectivity between Belgium and Cape Town.

Jean-Pierre Muller, Trade Commissioner at AWEX Johannesburg, then took the floor with a good dose of humour and self-derision to reveal what he calls "the magic of Wallonia", namely its strategic position and unique accessibility by road, rail, air and water to target the world's largest single market of 500 billion consumers

Steven Verhasselt, Commercial Director of Liege Airport, explained how Belgium's leading cargo airport is not only the gateway to Europe but also to Africa offering manifold opportunities to South African air shippers. Belgium's extraordinary value proposition in the logistics sector was also showcased by Ingrid Vanstreels, Business Development Advisor at the Port of Antwerp, the largest Belgian sea port.

Lies Deneys, the general manager of the CT chapter of the Belgian Chamber of Commerce (BCCSA), closed the session with a vote of thanks to the speakers and the attendees and by encouraging communication for a better support from the Chamber.

Following the presentations, attendees engaged with the speakers in a dynamic Q&A session and demonstrated a real interest into Wallonia’s privileged location and connections to expand their business in Europe.

Here is the link to view the pictures of the event.