Investing in regional maritime transport would boost inter-regional trade and significantly reduce the cost of living.
Monrovia, October 3, 2024/The visiting Secretary General of the West and Central African Port Managers Association, Mr. Jean Marie Koffi, says there are plans to engage potential investors to invest in the region’s maritime transportation sector.
He says the move is intended to enhance trade within the region and reduce transportation costs. These costs are often associated with the cost of living due to high commodity prices resulting from the high cost of imports from outside the region.
Speaking with local journalists at a diner to climax his three-day visit here, Mr. Koffi explained that such efforts would drive economic activities in the region and reduce the cost of living. He quickly pointed out that the Regional Port Managers Association does not have the money to invest in such an ambitious project but would want investors to consider that.
He said there is currently a vessel transporting goods and traders between (Guinea) Conakry and Freetown, Sierra Leone, which is making a significant impact, and he hopes that such services could be extended to other parts of the region.
Meanwhile, on his visit to Liberia, Mr. Koffi said his purpose was to assess the port’s operational capacity and provide assistance where necessary.
The Regional Port Managers Scribe noted that the impact of decades of civil war has left a huge scar on Liberia’s port infrastructure, and the need to invest in these infrastructures cannot be overemphasized.
He said the issue of infrastructure deficit is not unique to Liberia and that once good roads connect the ports, trade will improve.
He said the regional port managers’ focus right now is on capacity building and how they can help Liberia.
Mr. Koffi explained that the organization has already sent two National Port Authority junior-level managers for training. He added that upon their return from Malaysia, the next training batch will target senior managers.
He said the goal is to build the capacity of port managers and develop their skills so that they work in compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
He expressed his gratitude to the NPA’s management team for the warm reception he received during his visit.
NPA’s Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Mr. James Bernard, thanked Mr. Koffi and the delegation for the visit and expressed the port’s heartfelt gratitude for the visit, culminating in support for the NPA.
The dinner was attended by senior and mid-level management staff of the NPA.
Note: The Port Managers Association for West and Central Africa was established in 1972 to strengthen port managers’ capacities, develop infrastructure, and enhance maritime transportation cooperation. – Writes Othello B. Garblah.
