Port Saint John Celebrates Western Hemisphere Ports Day
SAINT JOHN (NB) – On April 5th Port Saint John will celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day, a day of recognition acknowledging our industry’s role as a key driver of job creation and economic prosperity, and its commitment to education, training and environmental stewardship initiatives on behalf of the communities they serve across Canada and the Americas.
In collaboration with the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA ), Port Saint John joins with Canada’s 18 Port Authorities andhundreds of ports in North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean to highlight and celebrate the value of ports under the theme of “United for the Future.”
“We’re pleased to recognize Ports Day as part of our ongoing commitment to remind our community and its leaders about the important role we play in New Brunswick and Canada as a vital link to the global economy,” said Jim Quinn Chair, American Association of Port Authorities and President & CEO, Port Saint John. “Like ports worldwide, our work continues to support a strong workforce, a vibrant community and a growing economy.”
According to IHS World Trade Service, combined international sea trade moving through Western Hemisphere ports in 2014 totaled 3.48 billion metric tons in volume and US$3.75 trillion in value. Of that total, ports in Central and South America handled 1.68 billion metric tons of cargo valued at US$1.36 trillion, while North American ports handled 1.79 billion metric tons of goods, valued at US$2.39 trillion.
In Canada, ACPA members handle nearly two-thirds of the country’s waterborne cargo and are pivotal in driving our country’s economic growth. In the process, Canada's ports create 250,000 direct and indirect jobs and handle more than CAN$400 billion worth of goods annually.
“We are proud to recognize all 18 of Canada’s world-class Port Authorities in celebration of Western Hemisphere Ports Day,” said ACPA President Wendy Zatylny. “Canada’s ports are truly united for the future and as powerful trade enablers, we will continue to support Canada’s ambitious trade agenda.”
For more information about Western Hemisphere Ports Day, visit www.aapa-ports.org.
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Media contact:Paula CopelandManager of Corporate CommunicationsPort Saint JohnCell: (506) 650-5288Email: pcopeland@109.199.110.97#portcity