The Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further promote collaboration in several key strategic areas, including sustainability, environmental initiatives, and supply chain optimization.
Port Executive Director Gene Seroka and JETRO Los Angeles CEO Osamu Taki signed the agreement at a ceremony held at the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles on November 14.
Japanese Consulate officials, representatives from Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti's office, and several Japanese corporate executives were also present to celebrate the agreement.
"This agreement is built on the goodwill and trust accumulated over the years through cooperation in many fields between Japan and Los Angeles," said the Japanese Consul General, Nagao.
He added, "This is the way we actually bring the ambitious plan to life on the ground. It's about implementing new ideas, proving they are feasible, and bringing support to make it all happen. That's the essence of the memorandum of understanding."
The Memorandum of Understanding encourages close cooperation between the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles JETRO in environmental sustainability strategies, including collaboration on testing and deploying zero-emission vehicles and equipment; the use of alternative energy; and cooperation on other emerging green initiatives for ports, ships, and trucks.
JETRO Los Angeles has also agreed to facilitate the introduction of Japanese companies to the port, enabling them to access their expertise and assistance in environmental and zero-emission initiatives.
