The kickoff of the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council’s (USGBC’s) 23rd International Marketing Conference and 66th Annual Membership Meeting was highlighted by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) cover letter signing between the Council and the Panama Canal Authority on Wednesday.
USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson began the day’s proceedings, and the audience received a welcome address by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera.
“Panama plays an important role both as a key trading partner for the United States and as a global logistics hub,” Ambassador Cabrera said. “The U.S. embassy is committed to promoting U.S. exports and facilitating dialogue and engagement among stakeholders.”
“Our partnership with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and other U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperators in Panama means we are doing everything to increase trade, which, in turn, trends into logistics, storage, maritime transportation and reinforces Panama’s role as a regional hub.”
The Council then welcomed the Panama Canal Authority Administrator Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales to provide insight into the Panama Canal’s role in strengthening global trade and agricultural supply chains.
Wilson initiated the ceremonial cover letter signing for the MOU, originally agreed to in November, with Dr. Vásquez, Wilson and Council President & CEO Ryan LeGrand signing while Ambassador Cabrera witnessed.
“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and the Panama Canal Authority share a long-established partnership rooted in their mutual understanding of the Panama Canal’s critical role in assuring smooth international trade flows,” Wilson said.
“The renewal of the MOU between the two parties reflects the continued success of past collaboration and a shared commitment to strengthening the relationship as market dynamics and opportunities evolve.”
The MOU will serve as a framework for future initiatives that may include, but are not limited to, facilitating dialogue between Panama Canal Authority and the U.S. shipping industry, conducting a feasibility study to assess the opportunity for a grain storage facility on the canal and sharing of data related to trade flows, transit information and export volumes.
The general session concluded with an overview of the Council’s recent activities and outlook for the future from LeGrand.
“We are thrilled at the possibilities that lie before us in our inaugural year as the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, and we won’t stop working to find homes for the corn, sorghum and barley that you grow, as well as the ethanol and co-products you produce,” LeGrand said.
“It is our mission, it is our purpose and we will never stop working for you and your future generations.”