New sectors explored in focus on SA ports' role in economy

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Officials from the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) spent the last two days in meetings with the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), discussing ways of utilising ports to not only improve the South African economy but also enhance economic growth across the African continent.

Existing marine sectors, like transport, manufacturing, protection and governance, aquaculture and offshore oil and gas, could also be expanded to further enhance income from South African ports.

"We are looking to raise the benchmark of all ports, to stimulate economic growth and benefit our country," TNPA chief executive Richard Vallihu said yesterday, speaking in his capacity as a PMAESA board member. "This means using the capabilities we have to the best of our abilities to enhance the ports."

Improving African ports

Established more than 40 years ago, PMAESA consists of 25 member countries as well as island nations like Seychelles, Mauritius and Reunion. Its aim is to facilitate information-sharing and improving systems at African ports with a view to economic growth.

"We aim to provide all our members with opportunities to exchange ideas, and to create better relations between all our partners and stakeholders," PMAESA chairman Bisey Uirab said. "Through this we assist our members to advance their systems and services, and help them to implement international standards."

Blue economy critical to growth in Africa

Uirab, also chief executive of the Namibian Ports Authority, said investment in ports extended beyond harbours, and rail and road infrastructure formed part of the investments required to enhance port effectiveness. "With more than 90% of the world's freight being carried across the ocean, the blue economy is critical to growth in Africa," Uirab said.

"Africa is one the world's largest exporters of raw materials, meaning we need to improve relations with road and rail responsible for bringing freight to the ports."

Emphasising what Uirab said, PMAESA secretary-general Nozipho Mdawe said huge improvements could be expected to rail systems throughout Africa in the next 12 to 24 months, enhancing product delivery and turnaround time for ships in ports, and improving the overall "value chain" of imports and exports.

Besides discussing the implementation of various economic strategies, Vallihu mentioned the need for the public to understand how the ports worked and for improved accessibility to promote further understanding among the communities the ports serve.

Source: Herald