Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta and Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport (MSPA) Executive Director/CEO Donald R. Allee launched a strategic partnership in Panama by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase economic growth, spur international trade and promote the “All-Water Route” (the route from Asia to the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts via the Panama Canal).
During an official ceremony, both parties, joined by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, affirmed their commitment to mutual growth and cooperation. Renewable after five years, the first-ever ACP-MSPA agreement will allow for joint marketing ventures, information sharing and technological exchange.
Receiving $570m in federal Community Development Block grants for restoration projects, the MSPA continues to refurbish the Port from Hurricane Katrina damage. Development plans include elevating the Port’s West Pier to 25 feet above sea level, returning to pre-Katrina storage capacities and preparing for increased operations once the Panama Canal expansion project is completed.