Vietnam Register (VR) and the Panamanian Isthmus Bureau of Shipping (IBS) signed in Hanoi on March 19 an agreement on marine transport cooperation, under which Vietnam is allowed to check Panama's flag carriers operating in its territories and neighbouring countries.

VR Director Nguyen Van Ban said that a similar deal will be inked in Panama in April, allowing IBS to inspect ships which bear Vietnamese nationality and operate in Central and South America in accordance with international marine regulations.

Under the signed agreement, Vietnam will also provide training for technicians and register officials for IBS.