'It is fitting that Port Everglades and the Port of Xiamen become sister seaports because, even though they are a half a world apart, they share so much in common,' Eggelletion said. 'Both seaports have witnessed phenomenally successful growth in the past 25 years and share a business model based on product diversity. Both seaports facilitate the transport of cargo, passengers and petroleum products.'
The Port of Xiamen is the second seaport to become part of Port Everglades' International Sister Seaport Program. Italy's Port of Olbia was Broward County's first Sister Seaport following a unanimous vote by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners to establish a formal International Sister Seaports program in March 2007.
'We believe this new relationship with the Port of Xiamen will benefit economic development in Broward County by cultivating new Far East business contacts, improving cultural understanding and enhancing international trade promotion,' said Port Director Phillip C. Allen.
South Florida based Johnny Chiang of Evergreen America and Carl Pitts of APM Terminals joined the signing ceremony. Both companies also conduct business with the Port of Xiamen.
To become a Sister Seaport with Port Everglades, a seaport must commit to the free exchange of information pertaining to cruise and cargo operations, statistical information and general market research.
Located on the western side of the Taiwan Straits, the Port of Xiamen is one of the major coastal ports in China. The Xiamen Port Authority administers eight port areas that provide facilities for containerized cargo, dry and break bulk cargo, liquid bulk products and cruise and ferry passengers.
