Memorandum of Consultation Signed in D.C.

U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert and Hong Shanxiang, vice minister of communications for the People's Republic of China, have signed a Memorandum of Consultation On April 9 in Washington, D.C. The Memorandum reflects the work of an initial round of negotiations on a new maritime transport agreement. Discussions focused on fundamental issues of concern to the two governments, including Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) bonding; filing of confidential freight rates; branch offices; logistics services; vessel agency; and controlled carriers. Captain Schubert said he was impressed by the constructive discussions and that, while much work needs to be done to complete a U.S.-China Bilateral Maritime Agreement, this was a very good beginning.