The Washington public ports association is authorized to create a federation of Washington ports to enable member ports to strengthen their international trading capabilities and market the region's products worldwide. Such a federation shall maintain the authority of individual ports and have the following purposes:
(1) To operate as an export trading company under the provisions enumerated in chapter 53.31 RCW;
(2) To provide a network to market the services of the members of the Washington public ports association;
(3) To provide expertise and assistance to businesses interested in export markets;
(4) To promote cooperative efforts between ports and local associate development organizations to assist local economic development efforts and build local capacity; and
(5) To assist in the efficient marketing of the state's trade, tourism, and travel resources.