Final answer:
The Scheldt River passes through Gent and Antwerp in Belgium, serving as a key gateway for the second-largest port in Europe and the global diamond trade center. Antwerp's role in international commerce is critical for Belgium's export-oriented economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The river that passes through Gent and Antwerp in Belgium and is recognized as the second largest port in Europe as well as the world center of the diamond trade is the Scheldt River.
While Antwerp is renowned for its port and diamond trade, the Rhine River, another major European waterway, contributes significantly to industrial and economic activities in the region, including in Belgium. Although the Rhine is a significant river in Europe, it is the Scheldt River that specifically flows through Antwerp and Gent.
Antwerp's port is not only crucial for the diamond trade but also plays a significant role in international shipping and global commerce due to its strategic location.
Belgium's economy benefits greatly from its ports in Antwerp and Ghent, with industries such as food products, technology, and petroleum products being important sectors for export, leveraging the country's industrial prowess. The Scheldt River thus plays an integral role in facilitating this trade and industrial activity in Belgium.