The Virginia Port Authority and Oman’s Port of Salalah have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at generating new business, according to authority officials.

The agreement aims to generate new business by promoting the all-water route between the growing port on the Arabian Sea and Virginia.

“The agreement will see both organizations cooperate, where possible, on marketing activities, market research, training and exchanging information on technology and modernization,” the release states.

“This signifies the beginning of a working relationship, and hopefully one that is long-term, where both parties benefit,” stated Russell J. Held, the authority’s deputy executive director of development.

“Our goal with this MOU is to share operational best practices, jointly market our good service connectivity, take advantage of the U.S-Oman free trade agreement and drive investment and business growth on both ends of the supply chain.”