Liberia and the People’s Republic of China have signed an agreement to cooperate on maritime transport.

The Agreement, signed in Beijing, at the just-ended FOCAC summit, aims to promote maritime and port development of both countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

According to a Ministry of Information release, China and Liberia will make full use of the maritime fleet of both countries to satisfy the transport demand of their trade.

The agreement also stipulates that vessels of both countries holding valid tonnage certificates that have been issued in compliance with the International Convention on the Tonnage Measurement of Ships and accepted by both countries shall not be re-measured in their respective ports. Liberian and Chinese vessels will enjoy most-favored nation treatment in the ports of both nations with respect to tonnage.

The two countries also agree to provide mutual aid to their vessels and crew who may encounter danger at sea, and such rescue support shall be provided as though the countries are providing aid to their own vessels and crew.

Crew and vessels of both countries shall have access to the shores of each country and shall be allowed to travel through both countries without hindrance provided the crew hold valid travel documents recognized by both countries.

The agreement will come into force upon ratification through the legal processes of both countries and sixty days after the last party gives notice of the completion of such process.