Port Manatee strengthens ties with Mexico, Colombia

World Direct Shipping will continue bringing refrigerated produce and other goods into Port Manatee from the Port of Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz, while trade representatives from Colombia are seeking to boost ties with the Floridian Gulf Coast port.    Port Manatee has extended its agreement with World Direct Shipping to maintain its weekly service between Florida and Veracruz, and separately noted how it is looking to expand ties with Colombia.
   In regards to the pact with World Direct Shipping, the Floridian Gulf Coast port said the agreement has been extended for another five years.
   Under the agreement, World Direct Shipping has committed to bringing refrigerated produce and other goods into Port Manatee from the Port of Coatzacoalcos through 2019.
   World Direct Shipping has been sailing between Veracruz and Port Manatee since 2014, carrying nearly 300,000 tons of cargo, including refrigerated produce to Florida and returning to Mexico with paper, recycled materials and over-sized cargo.
   “We are very pleased to have extended our agreement with Port Manatee as the port’s proximity to Mexico has been very beneficial to us,” said Carlos Diaz, director of World Direct Shipping. “Our 2 1/2-day transit time offers the fastest short-sea connection between Mexico and the U.S. Southeast, Northeast and Midwest, and has led to the success of World Direct Shipping.”
   In addition to extended trade with Mexico, the port has seen increased interest with South American countries, particularly Colombia.
   In an official visit to Port Manatee, Juan C. Barrera, general deputy director for the United States of ProColombia USA, said, “We see significant opportunity for growing trade between our nation and Port Manatee. Both import and export opportunities exist for businesses in Manatee County and beyond, and we look forward to exploring these mutually beneficial possibilities.”
   Vanessa Baugh, chairwoman of the Manatee County Port Authority, said, “Not only do we anticipate building upon the fertilizer trade, but we expect to grow our commercial links with Colombia in other commodity sectors as well.”
   Colombia is currently ranked as number nine for exports, propelled by fertilizer, and number 16 for imports, also led by fertilizer, Port Manatee said.
   Trade options with more South American countries are on the table, with representatives of Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic having recently spoken at Manatee County Port Authority meetings.
   Additionally, presentation meetings are tentatively scheduled for the coming months from trade leaders from Guatemala and Turkey.
   Port Manatee is the closest U.S. deepwater seaport to the Panama Canal, with ten, 40-foot-draft berths serving container, bulk, breakbulk, heavylift, project and general cargo customers.