July 26, 2007

Charleston Port Retains Indian Sales Representative

Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston has retained a sales representative in India to help serve the rapidly expanding trade, the S.C. State Ports Authority (SCSPA) announced at a dinner last night featuring India's Ambassador to the United States.

The Ambassador of India to the U.S. and Chief of Mission, Raminder Singh Jassal, traveled to Charleston earlier this week to discuss growing trade relations with India. His visit was coordinated by the S.C. World Trade Center.

"India is major market for the Port of Charleston," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the SCSPA. "Charleston enjoys a dominant market share in this trade and our action to retain a sales representative in India shows our commitment."

Charleston's container trade with India has grown five-fold since 1999 and India is now the port's third largest trading partner. Last year, Charleston handled about half of all container cargo moving between the Indian subcontinent and ports from Florida to Virginia.

To continue to expand cargo and business opportunities between India and South Carolina, the SCSPA has retained Anthony Lobo as its newest sales representative, based in Mumbai.

Mr. Lobo retired from the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, having held senior positions in the company for 22 years. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at sea. Most recently, Mr. Lobo was general manager for Safmarine India.

Presently working with Titan Sea and Air Services Pvt. Ltd. (TSASPL), Mr. Lobo will represent the Port of Charleston with shippers, importers, logistics companies and prospective clients in India.

In addition to its Charleston-based sales staff, the Port of Charleston has representatives in Atlanta, New Jersey, Europe, Japan and China.

Mr. Lobo's contact information can be found at: https://scspa.com/about_the_port/contact_MandS.asp#India