Belgian business invests in Crimea
For the first time since 2014, a delegation from Belgium will visit Crimea - local deputies and entrepreneurs who intend to invest in the production of building materials and the construction of commercial real estate, as well as develop port management in the republic, will come to the peninsula.
Co-chairman of the organizing committee of the IV Yalta International Economic Forum (YIEF) Andrei Nazarov told Izvestia about this and was confirmed by members of the Belgian delegation.
“Members of the Belgian delegation personally confirmed their participation in the IV YIEF. Throughout the year they actively participate in all events that take place within the framework of the forum. This included a presentation of the economic potential of the Republic of Crimea in the European Parliament, and a presentation of a forum at the Daun Kinski Palace in the capital of Austria, where they came with ready-made projects. Thus, representatives of the second largest port in Europe - Antwerp - have already proposed mechanisms and technologies to improve port management in Crimea. In addition, there are a number of projects in development, construction of commercial real estate and production of building materials, in particular bricks. It is planned that the relevant agreements will be signed within the framework of the IV YIEF,” Nazarov said.
One of the members of the delegation, honorary senator Frank Kreyelman, told the publication that deputies of the Belgian federal parliament will come to YIEF - Philippe Dewinter, representing the Flemish Interest party, Aldo Carcasi from the People's Party and others.
“Crimea provides many opportunities for business development. This is an excellent place for trade, and pleasant weather conditions contribute to the development of tourism. I am going to the peninsula to attract investment in port infrastructure. We plan to invest more than €50 million,” said Petr Vergauwen, trade adviser to the port in Antwerp, owner of the logistics company Flanders Maritime Port Services.
He noticed that Antwerp harbor is historically connected with St. Petersburg and with Peter the Great, who lived in Belgium for some time.
“Now it is necessary to develop connections between the Crimean ports and Antwerp. I think our experience will help the development of the economy on the peninsula,” Vergauwen emphasized.
According to Senator Anke Van Dermeersch, the official visit of the Belgians to Crimea will be an important step towards improving relations between Brussels and Moscow, and during the forum, she said, not only commercial projects will be discussed, but also cooperation in the field of culture and education.
At YIEF, members of the Belgian delegation plan to focus on the need to lift anti-Russian sanctions and their negative impact on the economies of EU countries. Thus, member of the lower house of the Belgian federal parliament Philippe Dewinter told Izvestia that the arrival of foreign delegations in Crimea is a clear signal to Brussels about the need to reconsider the sanctions policy.
“We want progress in relations with Russia, but sanctions hinder this. European countries must cooperate with the Russian Federation. For me, as for many other entrepreneurs, this is point number one. I hope that in April we will begin implementing specific investment projects that will be announced at YIEF,” said Vincent Van Akelein, senior partner of the Belgian development company Group G.
Belgian Businesses Invest in Crimea