The Port of Açu was visited yesterday (07/25) by representatives of the Port of Antwerp International (PAI), which was announced yesterday as the new partner of the project. At the meeting, which was attended by municipal, state and federal authorities, as well as entrepreneurs and representatives of Belgium, were celebrated the business opportunities that arise from the partnership.

"Today is one of the most important days in the history of the Port of Açu. Our partnership has a long-term vision, and brings together PAI's experience in the operation and development of a complex port-industry with the opportunities that Port of Açu offers, such as being a private, operational port facility with a backwater available, "commented José Magela, president of Prumo Logística, a company that develops and operates the Port of Açu.

During the visit, Kristof Waterschoot, president of PAI, reinforced the reasons for choosing Port of Açu as a partner. "The Port of Açu has 90 km² of area and strategic location, as well as bringing together components that are advantageous in terms of cargo handling, logistics and industry, and this is certainly extremely important for the development of both ports. We have been in contact with dozens of other possibilities here in the country and we have chosen the Port of Açu, "he said.

The group, made up of about 70 people, visited the facilities of Multicargas Terminal, Oil Terminal and Iron Ore Terminal, as well as the customer areas installed in the complex. At the end of the visit, a ceremony was held to celebrate the partnership.

At the ceremony, the Belgian ambassador to Brazil, Dirk Loncke, stressed the importance of the partnership for both countries. "The Port of Açu is really impressive. This is a great project and very well developed. This partnership, today, makes me very proud. We are signing a trade agreement focused on the future, which certainly opens the way for new agreements between Belgium and Brazil, "said the ambassador.

For Carla Machado, mayor of São João da Barra, the municipality becomes the gateway to Europe. "We are in this partnership that will benefit not only São João da Barra and the Norte Fluminense, but the whole country." The mayor also stressed the importance of creating the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in the Port of Açu.

José Newton Barbosa, head of the international advisory board of the federal government, also commented on the EPZ. "This is an exemplary enterprise that unites industrial development, port-industry and logistics. I make a point of mentioning with the minister that the installation of an EPZ here is a fundamental factor for the development of the region, "he said.