Port of Townsville Limited (POTL) has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Huizhou in China for beef trade and containerised shipping.

The MOU is based on a two-way and direct shipping route between the two ports. The city of Huizhou is situated in the southeast of Guangdong and in the north of Pearl River Delta and only 70 kilometres from Hong Kong.

POTL General Manager Trade and Property Claudia Brumme Smith said that the establishment of the agreement with Port of Huizhou was a historic moment for the region.

“For the first time, the Port of Townsville will enter into a sister port agreement with a Chinese port,” she said.

“This agreement with Port of Huizhou will ensure long-term cooperation between our two ports to facilitate trade in quality beef products (including live cattle) from North Queensland,”

Mr Ma Chenghui, Director General of Port of Huizhou said the establishment of livestock logistics channel would vastly improve transit times between the two ports.

“This agreement with Port of Townsville Limited is great news for the Chinese consumers who have a desire for quality beef from Australia.”

The MOU will cement a sister port agreement between the two ports is part of a long term plan by the Chinese port to develop a “21st century maritime silk road” with Australia.

“Shorter transit times and lower logistics costs means that Australian producers will be able to sell their product to China at competitive prices.”