The Port of Guangzhou established friendly ties with the Port of Québec in Canada on July 7, increasing Guangdong's main seaport's friendly international relationships to 39.

It is the second time for the Port of Guangzhou to form a friendly bond with a Canadian peer, after it became sister ports with the Port of Vancouver in 1996.

Now, Guangzhou and Québec will commit to develop a long-term multi-dimensional partnership to deliver win-win results for both parties through bilateral trade and increased shipping routes.

The two ports will also strengthen cooperation and exchanges in terms of port operation, modern logistic services, cruise tours, smart port construction and staff training.

Costa Victoria, a Victoria-class cruise ship owned and operated by Costa Crociere, berths at Guangzhou's Nansha port area on Jan 23, 2017. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com]

Mario Girard, president and chief executive officer of the Port of Québec, said that the Port of Guangzhou has and will continue to be a great partner for Canada.

"The Port of Guangzhou takes the lead in the world in terms of cargo handling capacity and port management and we wish to work with the port, operate more routes to it and seek more business opportunities," Mario said during the announcement ceremony.

Mario also detailed the Port of Québec's economic background, business opportunity, and welcomed investors to visit the Canadian province.

As a continental gateway, the Port of Québec maintains business relationships with over 60 countries. Its strategic location is its best calling card, as it provides the shortest route by sea between Europe and the Great Lakes. On average each year, the total value of cargo shipped to and from the port reaches $15.5 billion.

The Port of Québec is the first cruise ship destination on the St. Lawrence River. With its welcoming, clean and secure environment, the port is a destination sought after by major international cruise ship lines. With its unique offers and high-quality facilities, Québec has carved itself as a place among the world's top cruise ship destinations.

In 2015, over 168 000 cruise passengers landed on the city's streets. Each year, the port welcomes close to 30 of the biggest ships from the most prestigious cruise ship lines that sail the world.

The Port of Québec is the most popular destination for cruise ship passengers among the 400 destinations served by Holland America Line and among the top 10 favorite destinations of Royal Caribbean International cruise ship passengers. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Port of Guangzhou's credentials are just as prestigious.

"The cargo handling capacity for Port of Guangzhou in the first half year of 2017 reaches 280 million tons, a 7.1 percent year-on-year increase," said Yuan Yue, deputy director of Guangzhou Port Authority. He added that port will strive to handle 550 million tons of cargo in 2017, with container handling capacity reaching 20 million containers.

Yuan also noted that the Port of Guangzhou, just like the Port of Québec, also attaches great importance to cruise development and has become a home port with the fastest-growing cruise business in China.

From January to May, Guangzhou welcomed over 175,000 cruise ship passengers, a 34.5 percent year-on-year increase.

Genting Dream, the largest and most luxurious cruise ship in Asia, embarks on a five-night trip from Guangzhou's Nansha port on Nov 10, 2016. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com]