Pyeongtaek Port has entered into an MOU for a partnership with Zeebrugge Port of Belgium, the port with the world’s largest car shipment volume, promising the activation of transportation with the EU. Pyeongtaek Port held the signing ceremony with Zeebrugge Port at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on May 13, 2009; it was attended by Prince Philip of Belgium, Vice Minister Kown Do-Yeop of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, and Governor Kim Moon-Soo of Gyeonggi Province.

The MOU between Pyeongtaek Port and Zeebrugge Port covers the exchange of a wide range of port information, including information related to port development systems; mutual support through seminars and commercial communication; the building of joint partnerships with domestic and foreign shippers; and exchanges of port specialists.

The MOU is expected to lead to increased convenience for the domestic and foreign transportation businesses that use Pyeongtaek Port and Zeebrugge Port, the hub of the Western European route connecting UK and Scandinavia.

In addition, the market supported by Zeebrugge Port and the promised exchanges of information on systematic transportation service networks that enable access to in-port transportation facilities will significantly support the development of transportation service measures for Pyeongtaek Port. As the port serves as the gateway to the Seoul Metropolitan Area and the central area of the nation, the information will significantly help to improve transportation networks and reduce the logistics cycle of the port.

As Zeebrugge Port recorded a shipment of 2.1 million automobiles in 2008, the largest of any port in the world, the MOU will accelerate the technical and commercial development of Pyeongtaek Port in terms of automobile-related industry, as well as in the accommodation of repair logistics centers and PDI centers.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-Soo said, “Pyeongtaek Port has a geographically favorable location, as it is located at the center of the Northeast Asia. Its growth potential is limitless. In time, it can grow into the central port of the Yellow Sea Zone. I expect that this MOU will facilitate the development of both ports, and promote exchanges between Belgium and Korea.”