Panama explores new opportunities for commercial expansion with Africa for the benefit of its seafarers by virtue of its strategic geographical position and its constant development of its maritime, logistics and port sectors, the Maritime Authority of Panama (AMP) reported on Friday.

In a press release, the AMP stressed that the country could offer technical collaboration and mutual assistance, through strategic alliances with other maritime administrations.

The intention to expand the benefits of the Panamanian seafarers arose within the framework of the signing of an Inter-institutional Agreement concerning the Mutual Recognition of Training and Qualification in accordance with Rule I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Qualification and Guard

The signatories of the agreement were Juan Maltez, general director of the People of Mar of the AMP and Zamachonco Chonco, interim executive director of the Maritime Safety Authority of South Africa (SAMSA) in the presence of the ambassador and consul of Panama in Pretoria, Jorge Ricardo Silén Santacoloma.

With the commitment signed, the administrations will continue to strengthen ties, sea, maritime protection and the protection of the marine environment.

In addition, the agreement will facilitate the boarding or hiring of Panamanian seafarers, boosting the national labor force, to work on board the ships of the South African Registry.

In parallel to the signing of the agreement, the Panamanian mission met with the president of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) South Africa, Salvatore Sarno; the Director of Operations of MSC South Africa, Ian

the Panama Ship Registry, with new business segments, for the benefit of Panamanian seafarers.

The signing of the agreement took place within the framework of World Maritime Day, an event held in Durban, South Africa, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from October 12 to 13, 2022.