In a landmark move set to reshape global trade routes, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has forged a strategic partnership with France’s Marseille Fos Port. Announced on Wednesday, this collaboration aims to supercharge port innovation, streamline trade processes, accelerate energy transitions, and fortify connectivity between India and Europe.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) emphasizes strengthening coordination among key ports along the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). It proposes creating an IMEC Ports Club to enhance links between India and the European Union. Launched at the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, IMEC spans 6,000 kilometers, integrating maritime routes, rail networks, digital systems, and green energy pathways to bridge India and Europe.
APSEZ’s Full-Time Director and CEO, Ashwani Gupta, highlighted India’s leadership in advancing this corridor. ‘With the impending India-EU Free Trade Agreement, trade volumes among participating nations are poised for exponential growth,’ he stated. Gupta noted that APSEZ’s ports at Hazira and Mundra on India’s west coast have already established seamless pathways for the corridor’s initial and middle legs.
This MoU effectively completes the IMEC route for India-EU trade by linking the European endpoint. ‘We’ve now successfully connected the final leg with Marseille Fos Port, accelerating information and goods exchange among partner countries, bolstering economic ties and supply chain resilience,’ Gupta added.
The agreement gains momentum from the India-EU FTA, dubbed the ‘Mother of All Trade’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, it underscores the deepening strategic alliance between India and France.
Marseille Fos Port CEO Hervé Martel expressed delight in fortifying ties with APSEZ as IMEC enters a critical phase. ‘India and Marseille stand at the two ends of this promising trade route, bearing key responsibility to structure and activate it,’ he said. Martel affirmed their commitment to uniting involved ports for more efficient, resilient, and sustainable connectivity between regions.