New agreement eases Port Manatee's trade with Brazil

PALMETTO — On June 4, Port Manatee will sign an agreement with the Rio de Janeiro Port Authority to become International Sister Seaports, the local port announced in a release.

Port Manatee says the agreement will open trade opportunities with Brazil by establishing regular shipping lines and allowing for unfettered communication between the two ports, including information on the two ports' industries, statistics, planned infrastructure developments, marketing and research.

“This agreement is like Olympic gold for Florida's Gulf Coast,” says Carlos Buqueras, Port Manatee's executive director, in the release.