August 17, 1998 : Fraser River Port has established a Sister Port Affiliation with the Port of Taichung in the Republic of China. At the signing ceremony held today, representatives of the two ports agreed to proceed with the affiliation based on traditionally established objectives of mutual understanding and friendship.

Fraser River Port chairman Michael Jones noted that: "The port has been studying opportunities for sister port agreements in the Pacific Rim for some time. We are fortunate to have found a port that is similar to ours. We want to strengthen our mutual understanding of the two economies to promote and develop trade and maritime business."

An exchange of gifts between Director Huang from the Port of Taichung and Chairman Michael Jones concluded the signing ceremony.

For further information contact:

Raija Orava
Manager, Public Affairs
Fraser River Port Authority
Tel. (604) 524-6655

Fraser River Port and Port of Taichung
Sister Port Affiliation

Additional Information

Background

• The Government of Canada declared 1997 as the Year of the Asia Pacific. The port began exploring the potential for sister port agreements with ports in the Pacific Rim. Fraser River Port was a member of the Team Canada trade mission to Asia in January 1997.
• In March 1997, the Commission visited the Port of Taichung and were impressed by their rapid growth. The two ports have in common cargoes such as automobiles and forest products.
• In June 1997, after a meeting with Director Huang at the International Association of Ports and Harbours conference in London, the Commission decided to enter into a sister port relationship with the Port of Taichung.

Port Similarities

• Port Restructuring: Taichung is restructuring from an operating port to a landlord style of administration. Fraser River Port is a landlord port and will have new legislation - the Canada Marine Act.
• Dredging Programs: Taichung is responsible for its own dredging and operates it's own fleet of dredging equipment. Fraser River Port is responsible for dredging the main navigation channel on the Fraser River since Coast Guard withdrew from the program in early 1998.
• Property Administration: Like Fraser River Port, Taichung is in the land leasing and developing business.
• Port Access from Sea: Taichung has long breakwaters stabilizing the entrance to their port not unlike our training structures. There is potential for both ports to share maintenance and construction knowledge.