The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China’s Waterborne Transport Research Institute (WTI) to enhance maritime collaboration.
The agreement between MPA and the agency under China’s Ministry of Transport was signed during the 2019 Maritime Silk Road Port International Cooperation Forum (MPF) in China on July 11.
As explained, the MOU seeks to enhance cooperation in information exchange and research and development (R&D) between the two agencies, in areas such as smart port technology, maritime safety, and environmental protection.
“In an increasingly challenging and uncertain environment, it is critical for the key maritime stakeholders to strengthen connectivity and share knowledge and best practices,” Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of the MPA, commented.
“Singapore hopes to contribute to this effort by collaborating with China in the areas of digitalisation such as electronic exchange of certificates and bills of lading to enhance port and supply chain efficiencies, and ultimately, global trade flows,” Hoon added.
MPA CEO also spoke at the China Maritime Forum (CMF) – the first time Singapore is speaking at the event. At the CMF, she shared Singapore’s views on how digital and physical connectivity are important to bring about a more prosperous and interconnected world.
The MPF is hosted by CMF in Ningbo from July 11 to 12 to commemorate China Maritime Day on July 11, 2019.