Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Northport Malaysia BHD. The agreement was signed by the CEO of MPL Shahid Ali and the CEO of Northport Azman Shah at a virtual ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shahid Ali noted ports in all countries have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, Shahid said the strategic collaboration agreement aims to solve the various issues in delivering goods and to improve and broaden port services through connectivity and partnership.
He also highlighted the immediate need for port operators to adapt and comply with international maritime conventions, and industry best practices in order to charter their way out of the volatile and fiercely competitive times ahead.
Also at the ceremony, Azman Shah said Northport is eager to work with MPL and collaborate strategically on the future growth of both ports and countries. He also noted the current pandemic has changed the world works and created new norms to follow, which has created challenges as well as new possibilities for the port authorities to grow and evolve.
The strategic collaboration agreement aims to increase collaboration between both port authorities in five key areas. As such, the port authorities have agreed to facilitate joint business initiatives, trade of Halal goods and services, training opportunities, engineering services and knowledge sharing.