Seated from l. to r.: POHAIC President Tom Kornegay and GEL Chief Executive Officer Fernando Villareal. Standing from l. to r.: PHA Vice Chairman Kase L. Lawal; PHA Commissioner Jimmy A. Burke; PHA Commissioner Janiece Longoria; Dr. Alejandro Dieck, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Economy for Mexico; Carolina Saragoza, Acting Consul General to Mexico, and Fernando Lopez Palau, Secretary of Economic Development for San Louis Potosi.

POHAIC, GEL Sign Major Business Agreement Venture aims to develop first inter-modal terminal, strategic foreign trade zone in Mexico 

HOUSTON - The Port of Houston Authority International Corporation (POHAIC) on Tuesday signed an agreement with Grupo Empresarial Logistik (GEL) during a special ceremony in the 4th floor gallery outside the Board Room at the Port of Houston Authority Executive Building, located at 111 East Loop North in Houston, Texas. Under terms of the agreement, POHAIC will consult GEL in the development of the first inter-modal terminal and strategic foreign trade zone in Mexico - ultimately creating a major logistical corridor between Houston and central Mexico for global manufacturers and retailers. At an initial cost of $115,000, POHAIC will help GEL develop a business plan and identify sources of capital. 

"This partnership demonstrates that the Port of Houston Authority delivers the goods, not only in cargo but also in expertise," stated Tom Kornegay, president of POHAIC. "We are delighted to have this opportunity to help GEL accomplish what our Houston port does best - plan, develop, and manage safe, competitive, and efficient facilities. We firmly believe that our assistance will enable GEL to heighten central Mexico's appeal to global import and export shippers." 

Fernando Villareal, chief executive officer of GEL, stated, "This is a historic moment for us. We have been searching for the right partnership to help us develop the most modern cargo shipping facilities. We have found the perfect relationship with POHAIC." 

The Port of Houston Authority International Corporation offers administrative, business development, and operations expertise to port authorities, terminal operators, engineering firms, and construction companies worldwide in the pursuit of operational, commercial, and financial development of ports. The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, more than 6,000 vessels call at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in overall total tonnage, and sixth largest in the world. The Port Authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston's development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee "C" futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade's Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange. For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com