On the morning of October 31, 2013, Vice Minister Gao Hongfeng , from the Ministry of Transport of China, visited the Port of Houston to meet with 3 Port Commissioners and the Executive Director.  Along with COSCO Americas’ President Liu, Mr. Gao also attended the inaugural ceremony of the M/V COSCO AQABA.  Despite poor weather conditions, Mr. Gao and President Liu went aboard the vessel of her maiden voyage to Houston on COSCO’s Gulf of Mexico Express (GME) service.  Mr. Gao expressed his personal regards to the crew and was impressed by the overall state and safety of both the vessel and crew.  He confirmed that the current operations aboard the vessel were mindful of cost efficiency and energy conservation.  He also encouraged the crew to continue to work together in order to improve overall quality and ensure safe operations.

Vice Minister Gao and President Liu onboard M/V COSCO AQABA.

While in the United States, Vice Minister Gao also visited local COSCO offices in Houston and Chicago.  During meetings with expatriates and local managers, President Liu provided Mr. Gao an in depth understanding of COSCO Americas’ development and achievements within the current market of Sino-US trade and economics. 

Vice Minister Gao and President Liu meet with COSCO America’s local Houston office.

Mr. Gao fully recognized CAI and CCLA’s contribution to COSCO and advised that COSCO Americas must continue to foster COSCO’s overall advantages while actively seeking opportunities for long-term development.  He also expressed that, in order to further strengthen and expand, COSCO Americas should maintain its’ experience, traditions, and perseverance within the industry. 

Vice Minister Gao and President Liu meet with COSCO Americas’ local Chicago office.