Tampa, FL — April 1, 2014 – Today, Port Tampa Bay and the Port of Barranquilla, Colombia, officially strengthened their international trade ties by signing a historic Sister Port Agreement. The ceremony, held in Tampa, was led by Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson and Port of Barranquilla President René Puche, marking a significant step in enhancing commercial relationships between the two ports.
The agreement, formalized during a press conference at 10 a.m., is part of Port Tampa Bay’s broader strategy to capture a larger share of the growing trade between the United States and the nations of Central and South America. According to the memorandum of understanding, the Sister Port Agreement will encourage shared trade and marketing initiatives, further solidifying the bond between Tampa and Barranquilla.
“The partnership with the Port of Barranquilla is a crucial element in expanding our reach and influence in Latin American trade,” said Paul Anderson. “This agreement not only strengthens our business relationships but also positions Tampa as a key player in facilitating trade between the U.S. and Colombia.”
Barranquilla, the largest port on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, plays a pivotal role in moving goods from the coast to Colombia’s interior via the Magdalena River. With this Sister Port Agreement, both ports aim to capitalize on shared opportunities to increase cargo flows, infrastructure cooperation, and business development initiatives.
The connection between Tampa and Barranquilla goes beyond the ports. Barranquilla has been one of Tampa’s Sister Cities since 1966, a relationship that was reaffirmed during a 2012 trade mission to Colombia, led by Florida Governor Rick Scott. During that mission, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and a delegation of 30 Tampa Bay business leaders visited Barranquilla, further strengthening the bond between the two cities.
Port Tampa Bay, Florida’s largest cargo port by tonnage, is poised to benefit from the increased cooperation with Barranquilla. Already a hub for cruise passengers and global trade, the port is looking to expand its share in the cargo container market, and this agreement is a key part of that strategy.
René Puche, President of the Port of Barranquilla, echoed Anderson’s sentiments, stating, “This agreement opens new doors for trade and collaboration, helping us both reach new markets and strengthen our competitive positions.”
The signing of the Sister Port Agreement is expected to create new opportunities for both Tampa and Barranquilla, as well as foster closer ties in trade, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange between the two regions.
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