The
leadership of Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has described Tanger Med, the
biggest port in Africa and the Mediterranean, as the key to unlocking Africa’s
intra-trade potential. A delegation of the PAP, led by H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, visited the Moroccan Port as
part of its ongoing official visit in the Kingdom.
One
of the key focus areas during the August Sittings of the Permanent Committees
of the sixth Parliament was the assessment by African Parliamentarians of the
status of implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Members of the Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters had resolved
to tour Africa’s ports and various busiest Border Posts to gauge the readiness
of infrastructure systems and have a greater appreciation of issues on the
ground.
Generally,
the PAP has embarked on a process of evaluating implementation and delivery of
tangible results of Agenda 2063 goals and targets. This forms part of the
Parliament’s rebranding process, instilled by the new leadership, to be a
people-centred organization that is responsive to the problems facing African
citizens and concerned with the development of the continent.
In
this regard, members of the PAP delegation in Morocco were informed that Tanger
Med has worldwide access to almost 180 ports and 70 countries across five
continents, with handling capacities of : 9 million containers, exports of 1
million new vehicles, transit of 7 million passengers and 700,000 trucks on an
annual basis.
As
the largest seaport in Africa and the Mediterranean coasts to the north and
south, the Moroccan port has become the first commercial port of the African
continent and an essential crossing for global commerce ships between Latin
America and some of the world’s biggest ports on the Asian coasts.
It
was also noted that despite a decrease in income due to COVID-19, the Port was
able to resist the pandemic-induced crisis, keeping its financial indicators in
the green and preserving its major global alliances across other continents.
H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira praised Morocco for
the ingenuity and vision that led to the creation and maintenance of Tanger
Med, considered a strategic and leading hub in Africa, and ranked among the
world’s most efficient ports.
The
President of the PAP has called on Morocco to share its experience with other
African countries operating ports to ensure that the success of the Tanger Med
is replicated across the Union.
“We
are extremely impressed by the level of expertise, technology and infrastructure
development visible and all the elements that have contributed to making Tanger
Med a leading port in the world. This port demonstrates that contrary to
popular assumptions Africa has has the capability for technology and
innovation, essential drivers to tackle poverty, drive growth and achieve
sustainable development across the continent. As the PAP and in line with our
duty, we will provide a platform for the Kingdom of Morocco to share its
experience and knowledge with other countries in order to harmonize development
in the area of shipping and movement of goods,” said H.E. Hon. Charumbira.
The
PAP delegation was accompanied by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rachid Talbi El Alami during the
visit to Tanger Med.
Source:
Media and Communication Unit, Pan African Parliament
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