The Honorable David T. Matsuda, Maritime Administrator at the US Department of Transportation, will deliver the opening keynote address at the inaugural Yangtze Mississippi Strategic Cooperation Forum in Chongqing, on 18 October. Other confirmed American speakers include: the Executive Director of the American Society of Transportation and Logistics, Laurie Denham; the President & CEO of Port of New Orleans, Gary LaGrange; the Chairman of Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Council, Gilbert Wright; the Commissioner of Port of South Louisiana, Raymond Fryoux; and the Director of International Strategies at the US Geological Survey, Great Rivers partnership, Yao Yin.

The forum, which will take place between 17 and 19 October, is the first high-level platform for dialogue between the US and China on issues concerning inland waterways transportation and economic development. It will provide a platform for government officials and industry executives to share experiences about the development of shipping, logistics and regional economic issues along the rivers, and exchange views on strategic cooperation.