During the Tacoma-Kitakyushu 10th Sister Ports Conference Oct. 24 in Tacoma, officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that calls for the two ports to exchange information about disaster prevention and preparedness, and environmental issues.

The agreement was signed during ceremonies held at The Fabulich Center after a series of presentations and discussions by both ports on recent developments and issues.

“Over the years, our two ports have learned a tremendous amount through meetings and exchanges of this type,” said Connie Bacon, president of the Port of Tacoma Commission. “This MOU sets up the framework for continued cooperation on two key areas that are very important to our respective ports and port communities.”

The Japanese delegation included port officials as well as more than 25 private sector business leaders from Kitakyushu’s warehouse, distribution and logistics sectors.

Following the business meeting and signing ceremony, the group toured Port facilities, a cold storage warehouse and distribution center, and the industrial rain gardens on a Tacoma terminal.