Agreement on co-operation between ports of Gdansk and Valencia

06.11.2003

On November 5, during their stay in the Pomeranian Province, the delegates from the region of Valencia headed by the President of the Region, Francisco Camps Ortiz paid a visit to the Port of Gdansk. The visitors, among them representatives of the regional authorities and the Embassy of Spain in Warsaw, as well as representatives of entrepreneurs based in Valencia, including those representing the Port Authority in Valencia, accompanied by a group of Spanish journalists, were welcomed at the Port Master's Office of the Port of Gdansk by Andrzej Kasprzak, President of the Board of the Port of Gdansk Authority SA.

The participants to the meeting were given a presentation on the Port of Gdansk and its development plans. Ryszard Wocial, Director for Development and Infrastructure briefed the visitors on the projects submitted for implementation within the European Union budget. He also presented the vision of the Port of Gdansk, which, while pursuing the adopted development strategy, is bound to fulfil a significant role in the European transportation network. He emphasized that such role for the Port of Gdansk is also envisaged by the European Commission, which included the investment projects proposed and compiled by the Port of Gdansk in the capacity of the EU budgets.

The visit to the Port of Gdansk concluded with the official signing of the Agreement on co-operation between the ports of Gdansk and Valencia, which was hosted in the halls of the Mercury Hotel. On behalf of the Port of Gdansk the Agreement was signed by Andrzej Kasprzak, President of the Board of the Port of Gdansk Authority SA, whereas on the part of the Port of Valencia - by Rafael del Moral Carro, President of the Port Authority in Valencia.

The major objective of the concluded Agreement is the promotion of commercial, technological and cultural co-operation between the ports. The Agreement covers areas related to planning joint business activities aimed at boosting sea traffic between the ports of Gdansk and Valencia, providing suitable grounds to enable the exchange of experience and know-how concerning the information flow, as well as technological, professional and staff training. Additionally, the Agreement supports, within the scope of its competence, bilateral or international trade agreements concluded by Poland and Spain, as well as all cultural and educational activities that will enhance developing friendly relations between the port communities. It is expected that the precise identifying of issues in terms of the co-operation will be reflected in detailed agreements to be enclosed with the Agreement in the form of Annexes.

The Agreement remains effective for a period of two years and shall be automatically renewable for another 12 months, provided that neither of the Parties voice opposition.