News from Our Members

Would your company also like to share its business news with the ever growing ABLCC-readership, currently comprising over 1500 companies and officials based in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Arab world? Don’t hesitate to let us know! Send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Port of Ghent stands firm in 2013 owing to dry bulk and ro/ro

Ghent port registered a total waterborne cargo traffic of 48.2 million tonnes in 2013, which is 2.6% less than in 2012. Its seaborne cargo traffic did better than the traffic by inland navigation. Consequently, it is the classic sectors with lots of added value and jobs that relatively stand their ground or are improving. Ghent sees its position as a bulk port reconfirmed and is at this moment the biggest dry bulk port of the country.

In its 2013 seaborne cargo traffic, Ghent saw an increase of mainly crude minerals and building materials (sand), of fertilizers and of ores. Agricultural products (cereals), chemicals and food products experienced a drop.

Ghent sees its position of dry bulk port reconfirmed. Even more so, Ghent is at this moment the biggest dry bulk port of the country. In seagoing navigation as divided according to the type of cargo, dry bulk takes up 16.4 million tonnes (63%). Also striking: ro/ro traffic increases by 16% to 2 million tonnes.

Consequently, it is the classic sectors with the classic businesses creating lots of added value and jobs that relatively stand firm or are improving.

Read the entire press release at www.portofghent.be

RAK Free Trade Zone wins prestigious EPDA award for environmental practices

In recognition of its innovative environmental protection initiatives, the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) has received the prestigious Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) award for the Best Environmental Practices in Ras Al Khaimah.

“Environmental protection is a top priority at RAK FTZ, and it gives us immense pleasure to receive the EPDA award,” said Peter Fort, Chief Executive Officer of the RAK FTZ. “We are continuously looking at ways to curb the environmental impact of our processes. This recognition of our dedication towards environmental protection encourages us to continue on our commitment.”

The award was handed over during a ceremony at the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce on 31 December 2013. With the RAK FTZ’s regular social and environmental initiatives, including its EHS projects, Clean-Up UAE campaign, Healthy Employee Lifestyle Programme (HELP), numerous blood donation campaigns, support to cancer research in the UAE and several sports and educational programmes within the country, the organisation is known for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

More information: www.rakftz.com