Transnet National Ports Authority and Maputo Port Development Company held a ground breaking meeting that will pave the way for regional integration and cooperation between South Africa and Mozambique.
The National Ports Authority is a landlord authority that provides port infrastructure and marine related services at the eight commercial sea ports in South Africa and Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) is a national private company, which results from a partnership between the Mozambican Railway Company, Grindrod and DP World. Port Maputo holds the rights to finance, rehabilitate, construct, operate, manage, maintain, develop and optimize the entire concession area. The company also holds the powers of a Port Authority, being responsible for maritime operations, pilotage, towing (tugboats) stevedoring, terminal and warehouse operations, as well as port’s planning and development.
The purpose of the meeting was to foster mutual collaborative interests and to explore opportunities for cooperation for the benefit of both organizations and countries. Areas of collaboration cover the segregation of MPDC into Port Authority and Port Operations, transition from road to rail, nautical matters, training of operational and engineering staff to name a few.
“Today marks a key milestone for the two countries. The bilateral talks have been on the table for some time. Now that we have identified and agreed on areas of collaboration we are in a position to concretise the plans. Regional integration is in line with Transnet SOC Ltd’s Market Demand Strategy- reviewing Transnet’s role in the development of the North- South corridor, signing of MOU’s between African countries including training and skills development” said Tau Morwe, Chief Executive of TNPA.
“I am ecstatic about the outcome of the bilateral talks, today. This will culminate in the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Cape Town, in November this year, with the intention of fostering competitiveness and growth through this cooperation and, the realisation of MPDC’s vision of propelling the region forward,” added Osorio Lucas, Chief Executive: MPDC
