2023-07-21 14:14:00
Costa Rica is the most important external supplier of fruits (bananas, pineapples) for all of Europe. The port of Antwerp plays a significant role in these exports. In 2021, more than 575,000 tons of goods from Costa Rica passed through the port. Fruits represent perhaps the largest volume of this trade but they are not the most important export product to Belgium in terms of value. There is also the medical equipment such as stents, prostheses and bakers in which Costa Rica specializes.
Since last May, Rodrigo Chaves Robles (62) has been president of the country’s 5.2 million inhabitants. His visit to Antwerp was a business consequence of a political conference in Brussels.
“Our president was very impressed by the innovation of the port of Antwerp-Bruges”, declared to our colleagues from the Nieuwsblad, Alexander Araya, who was part of the commercial delegation of Costa Rica this Wednesday. “The use of drones, a digital network that monitors the entire port in real time, security: all of this is very inspiring for our ports. We have gained a lot of knowledge here.”
Smart containers in the Port of Antwerp to fight drug trafficking
Fruit shipments are by definition suspect containers for cocaine smuggling. Costa Rica is no exception either. During the first half of this year, customs in Antwerp intercepted 417 kg of coke from Costa Rica. Agreements have also been reached to combat drug trafficking. “On the one hand, short-term actions, such as the structured exchange of information. On the other hand, in the longer term, 100% scanning of containers at risk.
In October, a Belgian delegation will visit Costa Rica. Customs boss Kristian Vanderwaeren will also be present.
Over 1.6 tons of heroin discovered in the port of Antwerp
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