NEW YORK: The USA and UAE have reached a historic agreement that will see the Port of Sharjah and Port Canaveral work together to build on international trade and logistics investment prospects.
This ‘Sister Ports’ agreement was signed at a ceremony hosted by Gulftainer – the largest privately-owned, independent port operator in the world which recently expanded into the USA with a new concession at Port Canaveral.
The United Arab Emirates’ Department of Seaports & Customs, Government of Sharjah and the USA’s Canaveral Port Authority of Florida will also exchange information and knowledge and develop commercial, technological and cultural ties for their mutual advancement.
“The ‘Sister Ports’ agreement strengthens our ties with an already strong partner of the UAE and reflects our commitment to establishing strong international relationships to boost the country’s economic development,” said Sheikh Khaled Bin Abdullah Al Qasimi of the Department of Seaports & Customs, Government of Sharjah.
There is also a strong trade and investment relationship between the USA and the UAE, 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% exceeding more than US$24bn in 2014, representing 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.
“This will positively impact our operations and we will continue to strive to strengthen the bond that exists with a view to contribute even further to the economy of both port areas,” added Peter Richards, managing director, Gulftainer.
But, it’s not always been so positive. In February 2006, DP World acquired British company Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) – a move that would see it manage six major US seaports. However, the United States Coast Guard raised the possibility of security risks associated with a Middle Eastern-owned company controlling the Port of New York and New Jersey, Port of Philadelphia, Port of Baltimore, Port of New Orleans, and the Port of Miami, as well as operations in 16 other ports. With no security concerns found, the sale was approved.
The UAE now has trade relations with every state in the USA, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, with Florida, in particular, being one of the top five exporting states.
