The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), Jorge Barakat Pitty, together with his management team, held a meeting with the Minister of Transport of the People's Republic of China, Li Xiaopeng, who visited the headquarters of the AMP.
The Asian secretary of state was accompanied by a delegation consisting of representatives of the Chinese government sector, the embassy of this country in Panama and Chinese companies in the maritime area dedicated to the execution of projects.
The meeting showed the good relationship between both nations, from the implementation of diplomatic relations and especially since the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Transport, which is being implemented, since July 1 with the application of the tax rates, in accordance with the Tax on Tonnage Taxes.
The ministers of both countries expressed their interest in reaching a memorandum of understanding on maritime matters, which is why negotiations have started immediately. Through this, the bases for maritime cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Panama will be established, in order to implement projects and activities that contribute to strengthen relations.
In this regard, Barakat Pitty highlighted the mutual contribution in areas such as maritime environmental protection, certification and training of seafarers, recognition of documentation of the ships, the port state, among others.
Chinese investments in Panama
Also, the Minister of Maritime Affairs highlighted in port matters, the investments made by Chinese companies through the development of important works such as the container terminal Panama Colon Container Port (PCCP), which is built in the Atlantic area, on Isla Margarita, Colón, which is 30% complete, and when it is finalized, the capacity of Panamanian ports will increase by 2.5 million TEUS.
He also referred to the construction project of the Panama Cruise Terminal, where he placed emphasis on the quality standards in terms of safety, environmental conservation and efficiency of the CHEC construction company, which together with the Belgian Jan Nul, they carry out the construction of this project.
"This terminal will be a decisive point to achieve our diversification in the port market, and attract new forms of business, from June 2019, the expected date of delivery of this port facility," Barakat stressed.
In this regard, he encouraged the Minister of Transport of the People's Republic of China, Li Xiaopeng, to continue promoting Panama so that Chinese companies can bet on this country for the development of port projects, because they will not only benefit the Panamanian market but also the own Chinese market, since they will be able to market their items through the Hub of the Americas.
Good Asian disposition
After the meeting, Barakat Pitty acknowledged the willingness shown by the Chinese holder of Transportation to strengthen bilateral relations, with the purpose of enhancing cooperation and development of maritime trade, ports and logistics sectors, as well as continue to work together to achieve a positive result for both nations.
Likewise, the need for a compromise between both administrations was underlined, not only in maritime matters, but also in human resources and education, so Minister Xiaopeng expressed the intention of his government to grant scholarships to Panamanian students, so that do studies at the Maritime University of Dalian.
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