Al Ittihad al Ichtiraki: Morocco's ports sector to be liberalized as of 2004, minister

The port liberalization process will start as of 2004, minister of equipment and transport, Karim Ghellab, told the daily "Al Ittihad Al Ichtiraki" in an interview.

The related draft has been submitted 5 months ago to the government's secretariat general before going to the parliament for approval, Ghellab said.

Some 90% of Morocco's trade is processed by ports, which makes it necessary to upgrade the sector and optimize ports performance. This, he added, will develop investments and promote national economy.

To reach this goal, Ghellab says, the state's quasi-monopoly over ports must come to an end to open the way for national and international groups to operate in the field.

Asked on guarantees for honest competition, the minister announced the creation of an independent body similar to that in charge of regulating telecoms liberalization. ODEP, Morocco's ports authority, will turn into a national company that will run the docks it is currently exploiting. ODEP's employees' rights will be preserved, he assured.

Ghellab also said the port of Nador (northeast), which experienced significant development, will be linked to the railway network via the city of Taourirt. The project will be carried with the contribution of the national railway company (ONCF).