(a)      Except as limited by subsection (b), any public or private corporation may apply for the privilege of establishing, operating, and maintaining a foreign trade zone in accordance with the Foreign Trade Zones Act, Public Law 397, 73rd Congress, Ch. 590, approved June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 998-1003, 19 U.S.C. § 81a through u), as amended.

      (b)      A private corporation may not apply for the privilege of establishing, operating, and maintaining a foreign trade zone unless it obtains prior approvals from the Governor and the Maryland Port Administration.