Governor Markell Welcomes Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to Delaware

Photos from today’s event

Delegation visits Port of Wilmington to discuss business relations with Delaware leaders

Wilmington, DE – Joined by U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Congressman John Carney, dozens of local business leaders, as well as state and local officials, Governor Markell welcomed Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to the Port of Wilmington to discuss ways the two countries can increase trade opportunities and strengthen business relationships. Joining President Bachelet was a delegation that included Chilean authorities and business leaders.Chilean President Visit

“We were honored to welcome President Bachelet to Delaware today,” said Governor Markell. “We are fortunate to have strong commercial relationships with Chilean growers and businesses through the Port of Wilmington, and visits like this aim to enhance those relationships and determine new ways in which we can work together to grow our economies.”

Bachelet, serving the second of two non-consecutive terms as president of Chile, became the first woman elected to that office in 2006. In 2002, she became the first woman to lead the Chile’s Defense Ministry and has also served as the country’s health minister. She was elected as president of Chile for the second time in 2014.

To commemorate the first visit by a President of the Republic of Chile to the Port of Wilmington, President Bachelet unveiled a plaque as part of today’s event. Sponsored by the Chilean Exporters Association (Asoex), the plaque will be permanently displayed at the Robert F. Senseny Administration Building.Chilean President Visit

“This visit aims to enhance and extend links between Chile and this region, so we can do more and better business, and generate more jobs and prosperity for our people,” said President Bachelet. “This is a great opportunity to learn about the operations of one of the most modern and relevant U.S. ports. And, of course, I am especially honored the plate was unveiled in commemoration of this visit as a symbol of brotherhood between Chile and the United States.”

The Port of Wilmington, the nation’s leading hub for imported perishable cargo and fruit concentrates, serves as a major East Coast gateway for Chilean fruit and has been handling shipments from the country since 1988.

“The Port’s relationship with Chile is a strong one built on years of cooperation and synergy. With a global economy facing times of uncertainty, partnerships like this are crucial,” said Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office and Chairman of the Diamond State Port Corporation. “We applaud Chilean business and government officials, especially President Bachelet, for their role in this partnership, which has brought significant jobs and revenue to the State of Delaware.”

In 2014, Chilean fruit business accounted for more than 167,000 pallets and was responsible for 835 jobs; $48 million in related business revenue; $45 million in personal income for all those involved with this cargo; and about $4.4 million in tax revenue for Delaware and the region.

“We are extremely honored to welcome President Michelle Bachelet, the first Chilean head of state to visit the Port of Wilmington,” said Gene Bailey, the Port’s Executive Director. “Her visit is the highest compliment to our Port and to the efforts of men and women working here. Their hard work and dedication have been key to the commercial success of Chilean fruit with the North American consumer, and Chile’s commitment to our port for more than twenty-five years has been so important to the economic vitality of the Port of Wilmington and the surrounding region.”

Global Reefers NV, the successor company to Pacific Seaways, operates the only direct Chilean fruit express service between Chilean ports and the Port of Wilmington. The current shipment to the Port includes Chilean table grapes, blueberries, plums, peaches and other deciduous fruit. Those crops will be discharged from specialized reefer ships overseen by Global Reefers NV to the Port of Wilmington through April.Chilean President Visit

“Since 1988, the relationship between Chile and the Port of Wilmington has been vital to the economy of Delaware and the region,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “I look forward to strengthening that relationship – one that provides over 800 jobs and millions of dollars in revenue – for many years to come.”

In addition to fruit from Chile and other countries, the Port handles between 30,000-40,000 tons of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, lithium carbonate, potassium sulfate and related chemicals shipped from Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) to Wilmington, where it is stored and distributed by Intercontinental Services of Delaware LLC. These chemicals are used for industrial, agricultural and solar energy applications. The Port also handles large amounts of Chilean salt for various chemical processes used by DelDOT and others to battle snow and ice.

The Port offers the largest on-dock cold storage complex in North America. It is operated by Diamond State Port Corp., and is responsible for 5,200 family sustaining jobs annually, generating $384 million in business revenue, $360 million in personal income and $35 million in state and regional taxes.

“I was very pleased to join Governor Markell and Senator Carper in welcoming President Bachelet to Delaware,” Congressman John Carney said. “Millions of Americans enjoy fruit every day and probably don’t think very much about where it came from.  But, here in Delaware, we think about it a lot because the Port of Wilmington is the entry point for Chilean fruit that feeds families all across North America. The strong relationship that Delaware and our port workers have with Chile creates jobs and supports the economy of both countries. I’m proud that the Port of Wilmington plays such an important role in this exchange, and I look forward to building on this relationship in the future.”

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Long-Term Deal Announced between Port of Wilmington and Fresh Fruit Maroc

Wilmington, DE – The Port of Wilmington has reached an unprecedented five year agreement with Fresh Fruit Maroc, a Moroccan association of citrus growers and exporters, which will ensure Delaware continues to be the North American distribution hub for its clementines through 2017.

The association began using the Port in 2000, but had always operated under short-term, and mainly one-year, deals until now. With a projected 30 percent increase in the volume of imports this season, and an increase in revenue, the direct jobs impacted by the new agreement will be 89, up by 30 percent from last year’s total of 69.

“The commitment of our Moroccan partners to a five-year pact is a credit to our outstanding workforce and high quality infrastructure at the Port,” said Governor Jack Markell. “It’s critical that we do what it takes to maintain that quality, recognizing that our investments are well worth it for the jobs and economic activity that are created. Furthermore, partnerships with companies like Fresh Fruit Maroc are critical to strengthening our global competitiveness in an economy that requires us to think beyond our borders.”

Today’s announcement will help the Port plan further into the future. The new agreement includes 10-13 ship arrivals at the Port each year during a season that runs from October through March. Shipments are expected to bring an annual volume of 35,000 metric tons of fruit.

“The long-term commitment from the Moroccan growers, affirms the Port of Wilmington’s leadership and specialization in the critical handling of fresh fruit and produce from around the world for the benefit of the citizens of the Eastern United States and Canada,” said Alan B. Levin, Chairman, Diamond State Port Corporation.

The Port of Wilmington, Delaware is the largest port in the US for the importation of perishable cargo, such as fruit, both tropical and deciduous, and juice concentrates. Wilmington is the largest banana port in North America and 2nd largest in the world. The deepwater port and marine terminal handles about 400 vessels Annually with an annual import/export cargo tonnage of more than 5 million tons.

Today, Delaware’s port is the busiest terminal on the Delaware River. Located at the confluence of the Delaware and Christina Rivers, 65 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the Port is owned and operated by the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC), a corporate entity of the State of Delaware.


Markell, Carper, Coons and Carney Announce $10 million for Port of Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Governor Jack Markell U.S. Sens. Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney (all D-Del.), announced a $10 million grant award to the Diamond State Port Corporation from the United States Department of Transportation.

 This TIGER V grant award will fund a project to rehabilitate a wharf dating back to 1923 which serves two critical general cargo berths at the Port of Wilmington and is in urgent need of repair. The cost of the project is $13.4 million, and the Diamond State Port Corporation, which owns and operates the Port, will fund the remaining $3.4 million.

Earlier this year, Governor Markell joined the Congressional Delegation in writing a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in support of this TIGER V grant request from the Diamond State Port Corporation. The Port of Wilmington is critical to the entire region’s economy, and is responsible for more than 4,300 direct, indirect and induced jobs for about 12,500 related jobs annually, as well as $360 million in business revenue and $34 million in state and local taxes. This capital project will dramatically improve and extend the ability of the Port to serve its many customers and ensure its continued role as an economic engine for the state and region.

“This funding is a tribute to the hard work of our federal delegation and the value that the maritime industry places on the Port of Wilmington,” said Governor Markell. “The investments we make in the Port will continue to be an integral part of our strategy to create jobs and grow Delaware’s economy.”

The Port’s grant application was selected for funding from more than 700 applications through a competitive, merit-based evaluation process.

“The Port of Wilmington is vital to the economy of Delaware and the entire region,” said Sen. Carper. “As America’s No. 1 seaport for fresh fruit imports, it supports thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue. The TIGER evaluation process recognized the strong economic value of investing in our port’s infrastructure and the TIGER program continues to offer a strong return for taxpayers on innovative infrastructure investments that help to support our ongoing economic recovery. With this grant, which took an all-hands-on-desk effort to get, the Port is well positioned for the future.”

“The Port of Wilmington and the region’s maritime infrastructure are critical to Delaware’s economic strength,” Senator Coons said. “With two ship berths in need of repair, the Port’s ability to handle more and heavier cargo has been at risk, but this investment in the Port of Wilmington will keep hard-working Delawareans on the job and create new opportunities for urgently needed job growth. There was considerable competition for these TIGER V grants and only the projects capable of creating the most jobs were funded. I am heartened that the potential of the Port of Wilmington to create new jobs was recognized by the Department of Transportation, and pledge to continue working to help more Delawareans benefit from it.” 

“A strong, competitive Port of Wilmington is critical for Delaware,” said Congressman Carney.  “This grant will allow the Port to better meet the needs of its existing customers. It also puts the Port in a better position to compete for new business, which will create jobs for Delaware workers and grow the economy. Investments in infrastructure are investments in the long-term future of our economy.”

“We are delighted to receive this grant,” said Diamond State Port Corporation Executive Director Gene Bailey. “On behalf of our board, and the men and women who work at the Port of Wilmington, I would like to thank Governor Markell, Delaware’s Congressional Delegation and Delaware maritime community for their steadfast and enthusiastic support of our TIGER V application. This award by the U.S. Department of Transportation confirms the importance of our port as a critical transportation asset in the U.S. and as a vital link in the international supply chain.” 


Peruvian President Humala & Governor Markell Agree on Cooperation

Memorandums of Understanding Signed Covering Education, Trade, Agriculture, and Culture

Agreement Marks Peru’s First Partnership with a U.S. State

(Washington, D.C.)  – President Ollanta Humala, Ambassador Harold Forsyth and Delaware Governor Jack Markell met on Tuesday in Washington to discuss cooperation between the Republic of Peru and the State of Delaware, covering agriculture, education, science and technology, culture and trade.

“The cooperation between Peru and the government of Delaware indicates our interest in being connected with one of the most dynamic regional economies in the USA,” said President Humala. “We are looking forward to amplifying our trade and commercial relationship to the benefit of our people.”

They were also joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Eda Rivas; Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mr. José Luis Silva Martinot; Minister of Defense, Pedro Cateriano; Chairman of the Science and Technology, Dr. Maria Orjeda.; Delaware Secretary of State, Mr. Jeffrey Bullock, President of the University of Delaware, Dr. Patrick Harker; and Executive Director of the Diamond State Port Corporation, Mr. Gene Bailey.

Ambassador Forsyth and Governor Markell signed an agreement to cement Peru’s first partnership with a U.S. state.  The document establishes a framework for dialogue that builds on complementary strengths, including Peru’s rapidly growing agricultural exports, the role of Delaware’s seaport as the leading North American port for perishables, and opportunities for academic collaboration.

“We’re excited and honored to work together with Peru to explore new ways to create jobs in both of our countries,” said Governor Markell.  “Delaware is a state of neighbors, so we know how to identify opportunities together and then move quickly to get things done.  Our experience with the Embassy shows that Peru has a similar approach – open, practical and innovative.”

“Our Embassy is very pleased in being a bridge between Delaware and our country. We appreciate the mutual understanding between both parties, and we expect to excel in terms of cooperation and trade opportunities,” said Ambassador Forsyth.

Ambassador Forsyth, on behalf of the National Port Authority of Peru, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Bailey, representing the Diamond State Port Corporation, a Delaware state entity which owns and operates the Port of Wilmington, to collaborate in strengthening port competitiveness, develop joint promotion events, and exchange information.

Peru is a leading exporter of asparagus, organic coffee, organic cacao, and organic bananas worldwide.  Peru’s diversity of climates and soils makes it possible to grow crops as varied as quinoa, asparagus, mangos, grapes, artichokes, avocado, and paprika, among many others.

As the largest port for bananas in the Western Hemisphere and the leading fruit seaport in the U.S., Delaware’s seaport serves as a major distribution center for perishable cargo on the East Coast.  With overnight delivery to 200 million North American consumers, the Port of Wilmington, Delaware is well placed to share information and technical experience with Peruvian ports and agricultural exporters.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for the Port of Wilmington to forge a maritime and trade relationship with the economically vibrant country of Peru and its strong network of ports,” said Gene Bailey. “We are honored on this occasion and eagerly look forward to the many opportunities for collaboration and cooperation incorporated in this Memorandum of Understanding.”

Dr. Patrick Harker, President of the University of Delaware, presented a letter to President Humala, confirming the University’s intention to host graduate students through the President’s hallmark Beca 18 program for high-achieving, low-income youth.  The University will work closely with the Embassy and the Peruvian Department of Education over the next few months to finalize the details and conclude an agreement.

“The University of Delaware is thrilled to partner with the government of Peru and its Ministry of Education to welcome dozens of Peruvian students each year into UD’s top graduate programs—particularly those in the STEM sectors, which underpin economic growth,” said UD President Patrick Harker. “The University has enjoyed a long and close relationship with Peru, advanced by the understanding that our mutual strength is reinforced when we invest in high-quality education and open students’ access to it.”

Fact Sheet:

Port of Wilmington, Delaware

  • Wilmington is roughly half way between New York City and Washington, DC.  The Port of Wilmington, Delaware is the first and busiest port on the Delaware river.
  • North America’s #1 fruit, juice concentrates and tropical fruit seaport.
  • The produce trade through the Port of Wilmington, Delaware supports 2,660 jobs directly and indirectly.
  • A major distribution center providing an overnight delivery to 200 million North American consumers of fruit and juice.
  • North America’s largest on-dock cold storage complex aggregating 800,000 sf. (74,322m²).
  • The Port of Wilmington, Delaware has handled more than 750,000 boxes of Peruvian grapes since 2008.

Peruvian Agriculture

  • Peru is the third largest country in South America, with almost 2.2 million hectares of cultivated land, and an agricultural potential of 7.6 million hectares.
  • Peru is a top exporter of asparagus, organic coffee, organic cacao, and organic bananas worldwide.
  • Peru’s location in the southern hemisphere allows it to supply off-season products to the United States.
  • Peru’s diversity of climates and soils makes it possible to grow crops as varied as quinoa, asparagus, mangos, grapes, artichokes, avocado and paprika, among many others.
  • Exports from agriculture exceeded US$ 4.2 billion in 2012.  Peru aims to double exports every five years, aiming for US$ 6 billion in agricultural exports for 2015.

University of Delaware

  • The University of Delaware (UD) is a Land Grant, Sea Grant, Space Grant, Carnegie Research University (very high research activity). The University, with origins in 1743, was chartered by the State of Delaware in 1833.
  • UD’s Art Conservation Department includes one of the leading Master’s-level graduate programs in art conservation worldwide. The program, jointly sponsored with Winterthur Museum,  focuses on the examination, analysis, treatment and care of paintings, textiles, ceramics, metals,  works of art on paper and other cultural artifacts around the world. The Department Chair, Dr. Debra Hess Norris, recently led a workshop in Lima on photographic heritage preservation for 100 museum and library professionals. Dr. Jennifer Mass taught a program for Peruvian conservators, and is also collaborating with Dr. Patricia Gonzales of the Sección Química of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.  UD students have worked to restore sculptures at the Santa Teresa Monastery Museum, including Jose Luis Lazarte Luna of Peru, who was recently awarded one of only ten highly competitive Art Conservation Fellowships.
  • UD’s College of Engineering is home to one of the top ten engineering programs in the United States. Faculty members are devoted to building a community of problem-solvers focused on challenges associated with sustainability, energy, health care and the environment.
  • UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources features programs in Animal and Food Sciences, Applied Economics and Statistics, Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, and Plant and Soil Sciences. The college is internationally renowned in the areas of avian biosciences, plant molecular biology, and soil and environmental quality.
  • The University of Delaware has a signed General Agreement and Supplemental Agreement with the Pontifica Universidad Catolica del Peru, dating back to 2002, that utilized the University of Delaware’s expertise in Problem-Based Learning to improve the teaching of mathematics, physics, and chemistry through innovative pedagogical approaches.
  • In recognition of his work with the Pontifica Universidad  Catolica del Peru on Problem-Based Learning, George Watson, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, received an honorary professorship from the university in 2007.
  • The University of Delaware is an international institution: UD offered the first study-abroad program in the world in 1923, and celebrates its 90th anniversary of study abroad in 2013.   The UD School of Nursing organized a summer session Study Abroad trip to Peru in 2012.