Cosco Endorses Panama Canal Expansion

Captain Wei Jiafu, President and CEO of China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), recently endorsed the potential Panama Canal expansion, citing that a more modern, Canal will benefit the global economy and world trade. Nearly five percent of total world trade transits the Panama Canal. Of this trade, 88 percent flows between the United States and Asia. In a speech given in Panama last month, Captain Wei stated that with the rapid development of China’s economy, the Panama Canal becomes more important as a vital link for China to import and export goods to and from the East Coast of the United States, the Caribbean and the East Coast of South America. “I fully support this expansion plan. I believe that the expansion of the Canal will enable more ships to utilize the Panama Canal. It will not only strengthen Panama financially by bringing considerable revenues, promote development of Panama’s maritime industry, and ensure Panama’s position as the regional maritime center, but it will also benefit the growth of regional and world trade,” said Captain Wei.