ACP signs co-operation MOU with MPA

Panama City: The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase economic growth and commercial activity between the two entities. Signed by ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta and MPA Executive Director James J. White, the MOU is expected to spur trade, facilitate information sharing and promote the use of the "All-Water Route," a shipping route to Asia from the U.S. East Coast via the Canal. The MPA oversees the six public marine terminals of the Port of Baltimore.

"The Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland Port Administration reinforces the importance of the 'All-Water Route' through the Panama Canal," said ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta. "With the current economic climate, it has never been more important to provide optimal customer service, and this agreement will enable us to fully cooperate and work together for continued trade between Latin America, Asia and United States."

As part of the MOU, the ACP and MPA will conduct joint activities and share best practices. Specific areas of focus will include marketing, research and data interchange, technical advancements and personnel training programs. The agreement exhibits each organisation's dedication to meeting the anticipated increased levels of international trade. The MOU will help to continue this important trade exchange.

The Canal Expansion Program is also expected to bring larger ships to the U.S. East Coast and the MPA is undertaking its own efforts to increase capacity. The MPA is exploring the possible use of a public-private partnership to operate its Seagirt Marine Terminal and also fund a 50-foot berth. The MPA's goal is to have that berth in operation when the Panama Canal expansion project is completed in 2014. The Port of Baltimore is currently one of only two U.S. East Coast ports with a 50-foot draft. [03/06/09]

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