The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Virginia Ports Authority (VPA) in the United States of America, wherein both the ports have entered into a cooperative agreement for the mutual exchange of expertise and technical collaboration between the two ports.
Under the Port of Colombo Capacity Building Project, SLPA officials travelled to the United States, supported by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka and implemented by The Colombo Plan.
The Port of Colombo operates under SLPA, which has emerged as the major transshipment hub for South Asia. Additionally, the Port of Virginia, under VPA, stands as one of the largest ports on the East Coast of the United States, operating an automated SMART port, which is a major international gateway for US trade bound for overseas markets. The MoC covers information and knowledge sharing, exchange visits, sharing best practices, cooperation on general logistics, exchange of technical expertise, supporting initiatives in maritime security, liaising between parties, dispute settlement and entry into force, validity and renewal, and termination. This MOC has a validity period of five years.
