Port of Baku Pact with European Logistics Hub

The leading companies operating in the city of Venlo in the Dutch province of Limburg, which is one of the largest logistics and transport hubs in Europe, have started cooperation with Baku International Sea Trade Port CJSC.

Last week, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the government of the state of Limburg, which includes the city of Venlo and leading companies with the Port of Baku.

The Memo envisages cooperation with the government of the province of Limburg, companies Cabooter Group, SMART Logistics Centre, the Limburg Development & Investment Company, Greenport Venlo, KLG Europe, the Council for the Development of Northern Limburg, companies of business network Azerbaijan-Netherlands and the University of Fontys.

The city of Venlo, located on the border with Germany, has distribution offices of the world's largest companies, covering a wide range of agribusiness, fresh park, well-known brands of clothing, electronics and other industries. Most of the cargo, mainly from major ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp and Amsterdam, is delivered here and sent to Europe.

After the signing ceremony BISTP general director Taleh Ziyadov noted that cooperation with logistics and transport companies and educational institutions is based on the strategy of turning Azerbaijan into a regional hub: "Our cooperation, the foundation of which is being laid today, will be the result of attracting well-known companies from the Netherlands and Europe to the Port of Baku. It is gratifying that the Dutch companies in the logistics chain between Asia and Europe pay special attention to the new Port of Baku located in Alat settlement, and seek to involve various services and production in our country."

During the visit multimodal terminal Chemelot, located in the city of Geliina, was inspected, and detailed information was provided on the control system, the technological processes of loading and unloading and the general processing of the terminal.

As a result of the visit, a preliminary agreement was reached with logistics companies operating in the city of Venlo in connection with the transportation of the first test container in the direction of Venlo-Istanbul-Baku-China this May.

The sides also discussed the matter of opening of the European representation of the Port of Baku in Venlo, in order to expand bilateral trade relations.

In addition, a meeting was held with the leadership of the famous Dutch University of Fontis, located in Venlo. During the meeting, an agreement was reached to attract specialists of the Port of Baku to the training courses of professional orientation in the Port of Baku and Limburg, for the acquisition of international experience of the Port of Baku's specialists. After the initial selection in Azerbaijan, specialists are expected to participate in training and practical experience for six months in Venlo.