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 ingeniosity 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 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 harmonise 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.
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