Welcome to The Pan-African Ports Cooperation Conference 2008

Introduction

The Pan-African Ports Cooperation (PAPC) was formed by three regional bodies PMAESA (Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa, PMAWCA (Port Management Association for West and Central Africa and UAPNA (Union of North African Ports) to establish a continental platform to enhance cooperation between African ports to facilitate development and encourage exchange of ideas and experiences among their members and hence increase efficiency and productivity within them.

This was to be achieved through an integrated information system and network among the sub-regional port management associations especially through training, organisation of ports symposia and seminars and workshops.

It also has associate and corporate members who share the goals and objectives of the main body drawn from natural and aspiring stakeholders.

The 7th PAPC Conference will be held at the Djibouti Palace Kempinski Hotel, in Djibouti between 15th and 18th December 2008. The opening ceremony will also coincide with the opening of the new Djibouti Port Container Terminal at Doraleh and will be presided over by top State officials and visiting dignitaries.

Registering for The Conference is free of charge

The conference will also coincide with

• The IAPH Africa-Europe Regional Group meeting
• The 34th PMAESA Board and Council meetings
• The Cruise Indian Ocean Association(CIOA) Board meeting

Organization

Plenary sessions will be for two days, during which participants will discuss and exchange experience/information among others on issues related to:

• State of the maritime transport sector and its role in the African Union integration
• Infrastructure and operational efficiency of our ports
• The financing mechanism of our ports and maritime infrastructure
• The status of implementation of IMO Conventions
• Women Networking on the Port Industry
• Issues related to HIV/AIDS and
• Labour rationalisation in the Ports and Transit Corridors

Expected Outcome

The conference provides members of the continental body an opportunity to reflect on all issues related to development so far made in our port industry.

It will be an unique occasion to bring together all stakeholders in the ports/ maritime industry and discuss business among themselves.

The meeting will also be an opportunity to formulate recommendations for implementation of the Maritime Legislations and Conventions.

Participants

Invitations are extended to port members, manufacturers, cooperating partners, regional/sub-regional and international organisations involved in ports and maritime issues. The Conference will gather experts and officers handling ports and maritime matters in their respective countries and companies in the region others partners outside of the region.