Port Everglades, the National Port Authority of Honduras and the terminal operator at Puerto Cortes, Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana (OPC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as part of a joint Sister Seaports agreement.
The agreement was signed on 5 October during the sixth Annual Latin America Ports Forum and aims to establish an alliance that will generate new business by promoting all-water shipping routes that serve both Port Everglades and Puerto Cortes.
In particular, the “Sister Seaports” are expected to establish joint initiatives to facilitate international trade and generate new business by promoting the sea trade routes between the two countries, with marketing activities, market studies, data sharing, training, and sharing of information on technology, modernisation and improvements, according to a statement.
“International trade promotion is a priority for Port Everglades and Broward County, and Honduras is an important trade partner for Port Everglades and the nation,” stated Jonathan Daniels, Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director.
Furthermore, Gerardo Murillo, General Manager ENP for the National Port Authority of Honduras commented, “The expansion of the Honduras National Port Authority’s ‘organic law’ gives us now the facilities to promote and create Dry Port Projects, which will amplify and expand our seaports with areas of strong economic development of different countries inside Honduras territory, thus creating ample feeder port capacities and focusing Honduras’ strategic geographical location to the principal East and West coast market of the United States, anchoring and expanding stronger roots of Europe and Asia to America.”