Maritime regulators from the United States, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and the European Commission met and conferred in Washington, D.C. today to consider the evolving international maritime landscape. The officials had open and candid discussions on their differing regulatory frameworks and the potential effects of carrier cooperation on international trade. The EU delegation was led by Mr. Hubert de Broca, Head of Unit, Directorate General for Competition, Antitrust-Transport, Post and Other Services and Mr. Li Hongyin, Deputy Director-General, Bureau of Water Transport, Ministry of Transport headed up the Chinese delegation. FMC Chairman Mario Cordero led the U.S. delegation, with the participation of each of the FMC Commissioners.
During the morning session, the Commission’s Bureau of Trade Analysis staff provided a general briefing on the FMC’s 45-day agreement review process and on-going monitoring program. Staff noted factors considered in its analysis and tools available to the Commission to administer its oversight responsibility. The PRC and EU delegations also provided an overview of their respective regulatory regimes. The Summit continued during the afternoon with separate meetings between the delegations and FMC Commissioners.
