Fueling Connectivity: Chinese investment at Netherlands port boosts Sino-Europe trade

World
Europe

02:47

The port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is one of the world's SMARTEST ports, with an advanced terminal automation system. Rotterdam is a deep water port capable of docking giant ships. It serves as a gateway for goods transported to northern and western Europe. CGTN's Zhao Yunfei looks at how Chinese investment there has boosted global trade.

International ports are committed to providing services with higher productivity. Many machines at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands are controlled by computer programs rather than human hands. The intelligent system brings accuracy to port operations and helps cope with the growing demands of global trade.

PHILIP BEESEMER GENERAL MANAGER, EUROMAX TERMINAL "This is a very efficient operation at Euromax terminal. It's the next generation of automatic terminals. We can have containers available one hour after they are discharged from a vessel."

ZHAO YUNFEI ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS "The Port of Rotterdam is the pioneer of automated terminals. It already has unmanned vehicles working in the port, and now port authorities are working to develop self-driving ships, in an effort to shorten the loading and unloading process."

Rotterdam has the largest port in Europe. It also plays a significant role in China-Europe trade. Over the past few years, the number of containers have increased. And, the goods in those boxes have also changed.

LIN HAIBO COSCO SHIPPING REPRESENTATIVE, EUROMAX TERMINAL "In recent years, we have seen more high-tech commodities exported from China to Europe, compared with primary products such as handicrafts. Meanwhile, European countries are no longer exporting their waste paper and plastics to China, instead there are more mechanical and electrical products."

The Netherlands is one of the European Union's major economies. The country has progressively become more interested in Chinese investment. Chinese company COSCO SHIPPING runs an agent company near the Rotterdam Port to better serve their customers.

GONG DONGBIN GENERAL MANAGER, COSCO SHIPPING LINES NETHERLANDS "Shipping is the main method of international trade. As our vessels get larger and shipping schedules get tighter, trade between China and Europe has become more prosperous. The trade goes two ways. We used to see large amounts of exports from China back in the old days, but now we see imports also growing."

PETER DEN BREEJEN DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR, COSCO SHIPPING LINES NETHERLANDS "I think that Asia and Europe are depending on each other. We need each other to develop further and to bring economic welfare to everybody."

The deputy managing director says Europe needs resources and trading partners, and China needs market. Experts say both sides can benefit tremendously from international trade. Zhao Yunfei, CGTN, in Rotterdam, Netherlands.