Sharjah and Canaveral Ports Authorities sign ‘Sister Ports’ cooperation agreement
The robust UAE-USA trade relationship is to receive a further boost as a ‘Sister Ports’ agreement was signed between the Department of Seaports & Customs, Government of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, represented by His Excellency Sheikh Khaled Bin Abdullah Al Qasimi of the Department of Seaports & Customs, Government of Sharjah, and the Canaveral Port Authority of Florida in the United States of America, represented by Jerry Allender, Chairman, Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners.
A ‘Joint Declaration of Collaboration and Cooperation’ entered into will also explore new opportunities to develop cooperation between the ports and enable private companies within the catchment area of the respective ports to collaborate on trade and investment prospects. The port authorities also committed to exchange information and knowledge between them and develop commercial, technological and cultural ties for their mutual advancement.
The USA and the UAE enjoy a strong trade and investment relationship, with the UAE being the USA’s largest trading partner in the Middle East region, a distinction the UAE has held for six straight years. Since 2009, bilateral trade has grown more than 80 per cent exceeding more than US $24 billion in 2014. This represents one of the fastest growing USA economic partnerships, both globally and especially in the Gulf region.
As the main container terminal operator at both authorities’ facilities, Gulftainer, which first started its operations in Sharjah in 1976 with the first container terminal in the Arabian Gulf, will play a key role in enhancing communications between both organisations and the various clients and private companies currently calling at their ports.
