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Speakers: Port of Oakland a ‘center of gravity’ for trade and travel Key infrastructure projects and geography give Port competitive advantages
Oakland, Calif.–November 18, 2016: The Port of Oakland can be a “center of gravity” for trade and travel because of its competitive advantages. That’s the word from two transportation experts whose companies rely on the Port, to move people and cargo. They told an audience here last week that key infrastructure projects and geography give Oakland a competitive advantage. The East Bay Economic Development Alliance sponsored a business luncheon where experts praised the Port’s key infrastructure investments. “One example of a well-timed infrastructure investment is the Port’s planned cold storage facility,” said MOL (America) Inc. President & CEO Richard Craig. “This will give Oakland a competitive advantage by bringing California Central Valley products and Midwest beef and pork products to growing Asian markets faster.” Another upcoming seaport project is the 57-acre expansion of TraPac terminal, the Port’s second-largest marine operator. “When completed, TraPac will be the most modern and most efficient terminal,” said Craig. “The Port is really making it easier for importers and exporters to do business in Oakland.” According to the Senior Manager of Business Development at Southwest Airlines, Michael Sikes, Oakland International Airport has been seeing strong passenger growth, and Southwest has been a part of that significant growth over the past 3 years. “We’re already seeing double-digit passenger growth at Oakland International Airport,” said Sikes. “The center of gravity is shifting to Oakland as a lot of the economic and population growth is in the East Bay and Southwest is taking part by growing with our community. There is a desire for continued growth in international air service, and the airport is doing its part by investing in its terminal facility to accommodate that growth.” About the Port of Oakland:
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