ILA, USMX Agree on Contract Extension – The labor contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has been extended for 90 days through December 29th. The extension will provide both parties with an opportunity to resolve core issues before the contract expires. They will continue negotiations under the observation of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).
Read more from Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service
Dubai to Expand International Cargo Facility – Dubai International’s cargo facilities are set to undergo a modernization and expansion program. The program will increase cargo capacity by 3.1 million tons by 2018. In addition, a new transshipment facility is under construction and will be able to handle a capacity of 400,000 tons of freight a year.
Read more from Gulf News
New Logistics Center Coming to Frankfurt – Despite the ban on night flights, Lufthansa plans to replace their existing cargo center at Germany’s Frankfurt Airport. The new center will be built in the Northern part of Frankfurt Airport and will use technology that will enable quicker turnaround times for shipments and improve the quality of service.
Read more from Journal of Commerce
U.S. Resumes Trade Talks with Taiwan – A Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) was signed in 1994 as a framework for Taiwan-U.S. trade negotiations but was suspended in 2007. Trade negotiations will resume this year and may spur a potential trade agreement between the E.U. and Taiwan as well. Smaller countries such as Singapore and Taiwan are also moving towards economic cooperation agreements with Taiwan.
Read more from Focus Taiwan News Channel
