The Association of Terminals and Operators of Manzanillo (ASTOM) and the Mexican Council of Foreign Trade of the West (COMCE de Occidente) signed a collaboration agreement aimed at promoting maritime foreign trade in the country , specifically in the western region. This agreement will be valid for two years, according to a statement shared by the institution. 

The agreement, signed by José Antonio Contreras, president of ASTOM, and Miguel Ángel Landeros Volquarts, president of the Board of Directors of COMCE de Occidente, establishes joint actions to promote the development of foreign trade and encourage foreign investment. 

Among the main objectives is the promotion of the port of Manzanillo as the main port in Mexico, seeking to optimize export and import activities that are key to the industrial node in the west of the country. 

During the signing ceremony, which was attended by Cindy Blanco, Secretary of Economic Development of Jalisco, and Mauro Garza, General Coordinator of the Economic Cabinet, the importance of strengthening ties between the port and commercial sectors was highlighted. 

According to the signatories, these synergies seek to strengthen maritime trade, which already shows indicators of sustained growth in the region. 

Since 2020, the Port of Manzanillo has seen steady growth in handling cargo for foreign trade, reaching an increase of 70 percent. 

This performance is supported by the modernization of customs procedures and the extension of customer service hours. 

The statement also highlights that the National Port System Administration (Asipona) , under the coordination of the Navy , is implementing operational improvements to increase port efficiency. 

According to the statement, Manzanillo has set three historic records in the movement of containerized cargo so far in 2024 and has received 1,438 merchant ships in the first ten months of the year. 

Among them, eight container ships of up to 390 meters in length, which operate in regular service, consolidating the port as a central hub for maritime trade. 

With this agreement, the companies seek to strengthen Mexico’s position in international maritime trade and enhance the economic impact in a strategic region for the country.

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