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With the aim to reinforce co-operation amongst member ports of the sub-region, the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) advocated the establishment of links geared towards strengthening relations amongst Ports. Along these lines and with a view to cementing ties already existing at bi-lateral level, the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) engaged in the initiative to forge inter-port co-operation with sister Ports in the sub-region and beyond. In this regard, agreements were signed with the sister Ports of Senegal, Cape Verde, Ghana, South Africa, Taichung in Taiwan and Nigeria. Also, discussions are underway with the Ports of Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone as well as the Port of Houston in the US, and it is expected that agreements will be reached soon. Fundamentally, the scope of these agreements covers, but not limited to: · Training and exchanges of staff · Exchange of experts and undertaking of studies of mutual interest · Establishment of common positions at international for a · Technical co-operation/assistance in port management · Development of strong social and cultural ties Port Autonome de Dakar, Senegal Cape Verde Port Authority, Cape Verde Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Port of Taichung, Republic of China Nigeria Ports Authority Since 1977, the Gambia Ports Authority Sport and Cultural Association (GPASCA) and the Port Autonome De Dakar Sport and Cutural Association (PADSCA) were twinned for the purpose of promoting and bringing about a muti-sectoral institution of co-operation. From a sporting and cultural exchange programme, the agreement of co-operation was expanded to include staff attachment programme, technical/experts meetings, as well as co-operation and consultation at major international maritime gatherings for the purpose adopting a common stance. Since 1997, after a period of dormancy, the two Ports agreed to revitalise the co-operation that was already in place and signed and agreement of co-operation, which aims at improving productivity and efficiency in both Ports. Added to this is the realisation of the need to exchange information on areas of mutual interest. Both Ports further agreed to endeavour to sensitise their respective shipping companies of the comparative advantage of the other and to co-operate in the area of simplification and computerisation of port documentary procedures and undertake research wherever feasible in relation to electronic data interchange. For the purpose of a meaningful co-operation, both Ports agreed to hold seminars either in Dakar or Banjul, the first one to be organised before the end of the year. It is noted that since 1997, over 25 staff from the GPA have visited the Port Autonome De Dakar on the staff exchange programme and various experts meetings were held to review the co-operation and chart the way forward for it. In 1994, following a series of discussions with officials from the National Administration of Ports (ENAPOR), the GPA signed an inter-port co-operation agreement with ENAPOR geared towards establishing a friendly inter-port relationship and to co-operate in the fields of port management, operations and administration. Both administration, after evaluating their respective strengths and weaknesses, agreed to complement each other’s efforts in their respective drive to create an efficient and productive environment for growth. Ever since this agreement was signed, there have been numerous exchanges of staff in the form of attachment, as well as facilitation of entry into formal training institutions in the respective countries. In addition to these efforts, both parties agreed to facilitate interaction between the main exporters in both countries in stimulating regional trade and coastal shipping. To achieve the latter, the two parties agreed to look into the possibility of harmonising the coastal tariffs of both Ports. It is gratifying to note that this co-operation had served as a springboard to the setting up of similar co-operations with other Public Enterprises in the respective countries Ghana Ports and Habours Authority Along the same lines, the GPA established an inter-port co-operation with the Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority (GPHA). The co-operation was started in 1996 and has been successful especially in the area of staff exchange, whereas over 100 employees from both Ports have benefited from the arrangement. In addition to the staff exchange programme, it is gratifying to note that the two Ports have consulted extensively on numerous occasions on matters of mutual interest at international maritime fora, such as the PMAWCA, the International Association of Ports and Harbours and other similar organisations. Given the prevailing environment, the trend now is to focus on Research and Development (R&D), the conception being that the expertise within is quite suited and qualified to undertake such venture. Click here to visit GPHA online In January 2000, the GPA and Taichung Harbour Bureau (TCHB) signed two agreements, namely an agreement twinning the two Ports and one establishing a sister port co-operation. Along the same line with the other agreements of co-operation signed with other Ports, the proposed agreement has as its objective the reaffirmation of existing bonds of co-operation between the GPA and TCHB in the areas of technical assistance, training, sharing of experience and exchange of information on all maritime transport issues and social and cultural exchanges. An Action Plan was developed that sets out the implementation process and it is expected that by 2001, the co-operation will swing into full gear. Again, the co-operation was undertaken within the framework of the broader scope of ties already existing between the two countries. Click here to visit Taichung Port online As recent as November 1999, both the GPA and PORTNET have signed an agreement of co-operation, whose scope includes
The
agreement also caters for the setting up of a Management Committee responsible
for the drawing up of an Action Plan and which will ensure the successful
implementation of the provisions of the agreement. Again,
as early as April 2000, both parties have met to review the agreement and draw
up an action plan, whose implementation has already started. It
is noted that PORTNET has provided in the past training for GPA staff in the
area night pilotage. The agreement of co-operation is within the broader framework of bi-lateral co-operation between the two countries. Click here to visit PORTNET online The GPA and the Nigeria Ports Authority have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) since the early 80's whereby the NPA will provide training for GPA pilots among others. The two ports have also enjoyed each others support in the international scene especially at the level of thePort Management Association of West and Central Africa, PMAWCA. Click here to visit NPA online |
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