Johan Klaps, Antwerp Vice Mayor for port and economy

Antwerp in Belgium is optimistic of attracting diamond polishers from India with a simplified immigration process to regain leadership in global trade, Johan Klaps, city’s Vice Mayor for port and economy said on Saturday.

Klaps, who is also the Chairman of port of Antwerp-Bruges, met diamond traders and executives of Indian companies to discuss trade opportunities. Sustainability is also high on agenda with the port developing facilities for import of clean fuels from countries including India.

Antwerp, which is a key centre for diamond business, has faced crisis in the last few years with competition from hubs such as Dubai, pressure on trade from lab grown varieties and the European Union sanctions on Russia which limited the flows of precious stones through the city. Additionally, a shortage of talented work force is impacting the diamond industry in Belgium. 

Last December, the government eased immigration process to enable local companies to hire sorters and polishers from overseas.

“The diamond industry in Belgium is very enthusiastic and happy with the government decision. We are supporting it because it is important for us to keep the industry in the city,” Klaps said. 

He said the diamond industry in Antwerp which handles large expensive natural diamonds needs a critical mass of top polishers. “ We don’t have enough people doing the job. There is a school for diamond polishers in Belgium but few students want to take up the course.Of course we want to train our own people but if we can’t get them then let’s get the best talent from overseas.This is our strategy,” Klaps added.

Sustainability agenda 

The port of Antwerp-Bruges, which is second busiest in Europe, is investing in a new dock and automation for capacity expansion. While the India -EU free trade agreement is expected to boost flow of goods, Antwerp is also looking to India as a potential supplier of clean fuels to support energy transition needs of local industries.

“We are looking into all the possibilities. Today we aren’t in a phase where we are talking concretely with one or other company to do so. The Adani group has presented itself as a possible partner. They already do business in Antwerp and so they are coming over and discussing it further with us,” he said.

“We are a public authority and we remain neutral to all parties,” said William Demoor, the port’s chief customer relations officer.

“China has taken a big leap towards green energy flows but if you look at the speed at which India is shifting to green energy it is impressive and we want to understand more about it,” Demoor added.

Published on June 13, 2026