MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PORT OF ANTWERP-BRUGES
INTERNATIONAL (POABI)
VENUE/FORMAT - DAY – DATE – TIMING
Participants: Koen Doens (DG),
(
, F4),
(
F4),
(
, POABI)
Memo prepared by F4 with contributions from E2, D1, A2, A3 & EUDs Malaysia, Benin,
Tanzania and Namibia
Key messages
− Highlight the importance of engagement of EU businesses to achieve Global Gateway’s
objectives and recall the unique role of POABI and its public/private legal status, which
facilitates building bridges between public and private actors in a key sector for the Global
Gateway.
− We are learning by doing and our collaboration with POABI can show us the way
forward.
− Recall that in the last meeting (October 2022), POABI offered to facilitate a high-level
dialogue with a few European capitals, not more than 10, representing main European
maritime players and who will reflect most of the EU’s interest in the maritime affairs.
The port of Antwerp is a port which can facilitate this type of strategic engagement.
Relaunch POABI to send us a concept note in this respect for two main reasons:
o It is a platform that can feed into the work of the GG Business Advisory Group.
Indeed, the BAG will not be able to go to such a detailed sectoral level.
o As you know, Denmark introduced a flagship proposal to develop a Global Green
Shipping Corridor, in which the main activity will be to support partner ports in
developing facilities to supply green energy/fuels to ships. However, we still have
doubts about the inclusiveness of this initiative. We need to avoid any risk of
unfair competition from ports in neighbouring countries (North of Africa) against
European ports and to understand which European ports will be the ‘first movers’
to supply the green energy/fuels. We need a platform to be able to establish a
dialogue at European level.
− Encourage to participate in EU regional Business Forums. A list of forthcoming Business
Forums has been recently shared with PAOBI by unit E2 (see background).
− Welcome cooperation established with POABI and regular contact between our technical
teams both in Europe, in Africa and now in Asia. Collaboration put in place in Cotonou.
Malaysia, Dar es Salaam, Namibia to replicate in other countries to the extent possible
(see background).
− Explain that EU funding for the continuation of the WeCAPS is on track (see
background).
1.
I.
BACKGROUND
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (POABI) is a subsidiary of the Antwerp Port
Authority, created to take part and invest in ports abroad and port related projects in strategic
regions such as Brazil. Globally, POABI activities remain relatively small compared with
other major European companies in the maritime sector (Maersk, Bolloré, CMA, MSC). Their
more relevant investments, beyond the Port of Cotonou (see below) are the ports of Duqm
(Oman), Açu (Brazil) and San Pedro (Côte d’Ivoire).
For ports and terminals in a start-up phase or looking to optimize their company processes,
POABI offers an active role by joining the port management in several degrees of
involvement. In this respect, it manages the Port Authority of Cotonou on behalf of the
Government of Benin since May 2018.
In 2019 (29.11.2019) a collaboration agreement was signed between Port of Antwerp
International (POABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of Port of Antwerp, and
APEC, its maritime training centre, and Nigerian Ports Authority, which manages the 6 ports
of Nigeria. This collaboration, which will mainly take the form of training and consulting,
underlines the leading role that the port of Antwerp plays in West Africa.
Under the terms of this agreement the port of Antwerp will play an advisory role with regard
to the further development of the port of Lagos. In addition, structural training will play an
important role. Several port professionals from Lagos have already come over to Antwerp for
tailor-made trainings by APEC. Together with their affiliate APEC-Antwerp/Flanders Port
Training Centre, they offer high level training sessions. APEC is the port training centre of
Antwerp and Flanders, offering short-term seminars to professionals from all over the world.
The seminars do not only facilitate an exchange of knowledge and best practices; they also
provide a platform of discussion between participants.
Moreover, a National Maritime Transport Policy is in the works in Nigeria as part of the
government’s effort to develop maritime infrastructure and diversify the oil-dependent
economy.
POABI is elaborating the national port development strategy in Senegal (contact with the EU
Delegation was established). POABI also tries to reinforce the partnerships with many other
ports in Africa (e.g. Mombasa, Matadi). POABI participates in EU-funded projects related to
maritime and port security, such as WeCAPS (implemented jointly with Expertise France).
Latest developments, state of play of the activities in each region
Port of Cotonou
− Important time. Support of EUR 7 million has been signed to back improvement measures
in all areas of operations, management and security in partnership with ENABEL. EU
plans to strengthen this support in 2023-2024, particularly for (para)port infrastructure.
Discussions with Team Europe stakeholders and PAOBI/Port of Cotonou ongoing.
− Team Europe supports master plan for development of Port in line with priorities of
Government.
2.
− Our work is part of Global Gateway to create sustainable and reliable connections to
strengthen the competitiveness and security of supply chains. The Port of Cotonou plays a
key role as a creator of opportunities and a driver of sustainable development in Benin and
the sub-region.
− The Autonomous Port of Cotonou is also fundamental part of our initiative on ‘strategic
corridors’ to strengthen African multimodal transport networks and exploit economic
potential of African Continental Free Trade Area. Contributes directly to Cotonou-
Niamey and Abidjan-Lagos corridors. We encourage you to continue liaising with the EU
Delegations in the region to ensure our support is complementary to your operations.
− Your contribution is fundamental. Your experience in the management of the Port? And
prospects for the third phase of management?
Malaysia
POABI has engaged discussion with the State of Perak (and the Lumut Port Authority),
leading in October 2022 to the signature of a Heads of Agreement in view of the
establishment of a partnership for the development and management of an integrated maritime
industrial hub within the District of Manjung (the Lumut Maritime Industrial City ‘LuMIC’).
POABI also defined and presented their initiatives on how they can contribute to the EU’s
objectives in Malaysia and the wider region. These initiatives further support the realization
of the EU’s ambition within the Global Gateway by connecting goods, people and services
around the world – and specifically between EU and Asia - in a sustainable way.
Two layers of key actions have been proposed for 2023-2024 and which will be conducted by
POABI: (1) Roadmap for the EU Malaysian Gateway and (2) Targeted Port Studies and
development of Lumut Industrial Port Cluster. Following the discussion between Port of
Antwerp-Bruges International (POABI) and the European Delegation to Malaysia, a grant
agreement is being negotiated to support financially the undertaking of a series of studies
implementing these 2 key actions.
The studies are aimed at gaining a thorough understanding in the Malaysian economic,
logistical, environmental and institutional landscape, with an ultimate objective to transform
the Port of Lumut towards a green, sustainable hub as an engine for sustainable growth of the
region by attracting investments in industrial, manufacturing and value add logistics activities.
Insights from the studies are to be consolidated into an actionable roadmap, setting concrete
initiatives to realize meaningful impact in support and in line to the EU Global Gateway
objectives and principles.
Namibia
In February 2022, H.E. Hage Geingob, President of Namibia visited, in light of the EU – AU
Summit, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges together with the Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De
Croo. They highlighted the need to further strengthen relations including reinvigorating
collaboration on port development & the green energy transition between the Port of
Antwerp-Bruges and Namport.
Following this high-level visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in July
2022 between Namport, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International
(POABI). Within the scope of this MoU, Namport and POABI identified three areas of
3.
cooperation: Port Development, Capacity Building, Energy Transition. This cooperation was
also presented to Cssr Breton during in visit in Walvis Bay in 2023.
The EUD received in early 2023 a proposal from the POABI for a study on the digitalisation
of the port of Walvis Bay. This study will help the Port of Walvis Bay to develop a Maritime
Single Window which is essential for trade facilitation throughout the value chain corridor in
Namibia and its hinterland. Moreover, By 1st January 2024, the single window for data
exchange is to become mandatory in ports around the world.
The EUD launched a negotiated procedure for a 311,500 EUR study that should be signed by
end of July 2023. This study will also identify potential needed infrastructures that could
potentially be financed through the EUR 100 million Walvis Bay – Luderitz to Maputo
Strategic Corridor
Tanzania – Dar es Salaam
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges signed a MoU with the Tanzania Port of Authorities (TPA) to
provide technical assistance for strategic advice, specific studies or trainings. The aim is to
improve the efficiency of the Port of Dar-es-Salaam and support its greening and
modernisation. Through the EUD, POABI is also in relation with the Zanzibar port to manage
the recent concession signed with AGL (ex Bollore Logistics). AGL has requested the EUD
some support on behalf of ZPC.
Enabel is also in discussions with the EUD for a transport and trade facilitation programme
under the regional MIP (along the Dar es Salaam – Djibouti corridor) that will cover a
component with POABI. Enabel has confirmed its willingness and its capacity to work on the
three components proposed by the EUD (port efficiency, trade, green mobility, 10 MEUR).
Enabel/(POABI were recently in Dar es Salaam for a scoping mission.
The considered activities are the following:
• Review the port strategy
• Support the contracting and supervision of a solid Public Private Partnership with an
international operator, preferably from EU,
• Modernise various ICT Port systems (management information, terminal operations,
maritime single window system etc…)
• Assess the existing port infrastructure capacities to its hinterlands based on the
existing and forecasted traffic flows and value chains and rationalise the operations
by activities and if justified by value chain
• Develop and provide vocational and educational trainings to port operators and
employees through the Bandari college, Tanzanian institution providing education for
Seaport public and private operators.
• Support the development of infrastructure bankable projects including for the
modernisation of the ferry port.
WeCAPS continuation:
Several meetings have taken place between INTPA (A2-F4-G5) and ENABEL/Expertise
France to discuss the potential continuation of the ‘West and Central Africa Ports Safety and
Security – WeCAPS’ project. The decision is that this second phase will be financed by
regional funds for Strategic Corridors. A slight reorientation of the geographical and thematic
4.
Roundtable
Brussels, Belgium
LAC Summit, as part of LAC Week.
By invitation only – 150 participants
Investment package in preparation.
EU – Botswana
11-12 October 2023
www.ebbf.co.bw/
Business Forum
Gaborone
Registrations open in August 2023.
(EBBF)
This event will be back-to-back with Global
Expo Botswana Global Expo Botswana
Opening by President (TBC)
Sectors: health/pharma, agri-business,
finance, automotive, ICT, mining,
renewable energy.
Event prepared with Botswana Investment
& Trade Centre (BITC).
2nd EU-Palestine
24 October 2023
Sectors: Agriculture, manufacturing,
Business Forum
financial services, health, IT, energy,
tourism
EU-Namibia Business October 2023 (specific
Sectors: renewable energy, Green
Forum
days to be confirmed)
Hydrogen value chain & critical raw
Brussels
materials
Preparation with Namibia Investment
Promotion and Development Board.
4th EU-PNG
30 October 2023
eu-pngconference2022.com
Business, Trade and
Port Moresby
Sectors: Agriculture and fisheries, energy,
Investment
technology and e-business
Conference
- 28 Oct.: Gala dinner
- 29 Oct.: Business Fair
- 30 Oct.: Conference and closing
cocktail
This event will build on the successful 3rd
business forum that took place in 2023.
9th EU-Nigeria
Q4 2023 (TBC)
9th edition of the business forum.
Business Forum
Nigeria
Sectors: still TBD
https://eunigeriabusinessforum.eu/
2nd EU-Angola
17 November 2023 (TBC) 2nd EU-Angola Business Forum
Business Forum
Luanda, Angola
Sectors: agriculture/agribusiness, fisheries,
logistics/transport, energy (tbc), critical
raw materials (tbc)
EU-Mozambique
22-23 November 2023
2 days event
Global Gateway
Maputo, Mozambique
Sectors: Global Gateway – Digital
Investment Forum
transformation, climate and renewable
energy, agriculture and agri-business,
transport and logistics, blue economy,
tourism.
2nd Iraqi National
October/November (TBC) https://iraqnationaltradeforum.com/
Trade Forum
Baghdad
2nd business forum following successful
2022 edition.
6.
Sectors: farming, food processing,
packaging, logistics
7th EU-GCC Business
November 2023 (TBC)
Sectors: energy, circular economy,
Forum
Bahrain (TBC)
mobility, women and trade
Economic mission to Q4 2023 (TBC)
30 EU companies + DFIs.
Guyana
Guyana
Sectors: Food Security, Infrastructure,
Renewable Energy and Pharmaceuticals
Uganda
Q1 2024
Kampala
Argentina
2024
Nepal
2024
At the 7th EU-Africa Business Forum in February 2022 business organisations from both
continents and 120 partners organized 30 high level events, over 200 online workshops and
showcases and more than 20 signatures and announcements for a total commitment of 590
million EUR. Over 18,000 people registered to watch more than 200 hours of meetings on the
online platform.
ANNEX I - Port Autonome de Cotonou (PAC - Bénin)
1. Éléments généraux sur le PAC
• Le Port de Cotonou est un véritable
levier stratégique et économique qui jouit
d’avantages concurrentiels liés à la proximité du marché du Nigeria et qui a un quasi-
monopole sur le marché du Niger en raison de la distance et de la relative stabilité
sociopolitique du Bénin.
• En 2021, le Port de Cotonou a occupé la
6è place du top 10 des meilleurs ports africains
derrière le Nigéria et devant les ports de la Côte d’Ivoire et du Ghana en raison de la
dynamique de réforme enclenchée depuis 2018 avec la délégation de sa gestion au
Port d’Anvers (-Bruges) International et de certains appuis tels que celui d’Enabel à
travers le projet PASPort (Projet d’Appui au développement du Secteur Portuaire pour la
dynamisation des activités para(portuaires) à travers le renforcement des compétences et
l’amélioration du climat/environnement des affaires –10 MEUR), suivi par le projet
ProPort, financé par le programme de coopération nationale UE-Bénin – 7 MEUR, signé
en juin 2023.
• D’après l’indice de performance de la Banque Mondiale, le score du Bénin s’est amélioré
en 2023 (IPL=2,9) le faisant passer de la 76ème en 2018 (IPL=2,75 ) à la 67ème place et
le positionne à la première place en Afrique de l’Ouest.
• Cette position se trouve cependant, de plus en plus fragilisée en raison de la
concurrence
que se livrent les Ports de la sous-région pour capter des volumes et des frets spécifiques,
soit pour ou en provenance de l’hinterland, soit pour le transbordement. De nombreux
défis demeurent pour
améliorer sa compétitivité et sa position dans l’environnement des
ports voisins concurrents.
• L’efficacité du secteur passe par une
fluidité de connexion entre le Port et l’hinterland, et
par les synergies de développement basé sur la conjonction Port-Route (en attendant
d’autres modalités de transport) avec les zones de production agricole (en attendant là
7.
aussi le développement d’autres secteurs économiques pouvant générer des flux portuaires
à l’importation comme à l’exportation).
• The “Port Autonome de Cotonou” (PAC)’s 400 MEUR Investment Plan is available. PAC
have been linking up with investors both on market and concessional terms and are open
to all investment proposals and solutions, as the AfDB loan is extremely low, and
Eurobond not feasible any longer as recently global financial conditions have changed.
The Team Europe (
) is therefore considering a joint operation for the Port.
It is intended to commit 34 MEUR of the EU national MIP of Benin for the TEI
Sustainable Port of Cotonou and littoral of which 23 directly for the port. The EU is
working on a soft project as part of AAP 2022 (7MEUR and
2. La relation entre le PAC et Port of Antwerpen International
• Depuis 2018, le
Port of Antwerpen International (POABI), filiale du port d’Anvers
(2ème port européen) est choisi comme
gestionnaire du Port Autonome de Cotonou
(PAC) pour mener une mutation suivant trois axes stratégiques :
(1) la
modernisation des installations et équipements
(2) le
repositionnement du port dans le cadre international
(3) le
transfert de compétences au profit du personnel local
• Le contrat de gestion de POABI est d’une
durée de 3 fois 3 ans (3+3+3), les extensions à
la fin de chaque période étant conditionnées aux résultats. La seconde phase de 3 ans est
actuellement en cours.
3. Engagement de l’UE dans le secteur
Dans le cadre du Global Gateway, le développement de l’écosystème portuaire est un secteur
prioritaire du Programme Indicatif Pluriannuel 2021-2024 pour le Bénin sous le domaine
prioritaire « croissance économique verte et inclusive ». Il fait aussi l’objet d’une Initiative
Équipe Europe. Cet appui se matérialisera à travers nos appuis suivants :
PAA 2021
En 2021, une action à hauteur de 12 MEUR visant à appuyer la gestion de la réserve de
biosphère du delta du Mono et au développement de l’aire marine protégée de la bouche du
Roy (UE, ENABEL) a été approuvée. De par sa proximité, cette zone naturelle est touchée
par le développement de l’écosystème portuaire et du corridor logistique reliant les pôles
8.
économiques de Lagos-Accra-Abidjan. L’action a donc été formulée de manière à tenir
compte de ces défis et de promouvoir une approche de développement intégré sur l’ensemble
du littoral.
PAA 2022 : Le
PAA 2022 pour le Bénin est en cours d’approbation avec trois actions : (1)
Port de Cotonou mais aussi (2) une action pour le développement des investissements
agricoles dans le centre du pays (PADIAP) dont les produits sont exportés via le Port ; et (3)
un appui budgétaire à objectifs de développement durable (PAGODES) qui vise notamment
des réformes pour l’environnement des affaires et le climat d’investissement.
L’approbation de cet AAP est prévue pour décembre 2022 (Comité NDICI 23/11).
L’action sur le Port va permettre d’identifier et d’appuyer la mise en œuvre de mesures pour
améliorer le cadre réglementaire, la supervision, la stratégie commerciale, l’offre de service,
la gestion du fret, les processus douaniers, les connexions multimodales, la sureté et la
sécurité, et la prise en compte des questions environnementales. L’action vise aussi à appuyer
les stratégies nationales en matière d’économie bleue.
PAA 2023/PAA 2024 :
Une Initiative Équipe Europe : « Investir pour un Port de Cotonou Durable » avec l’objectif
de transformer et consolider le Port de Cotonou en catalyseur stratégique de la transformation
verte, bleue et inclusive de l’économie béninoise et de celle de la sous-région. Membres :
. Cette initiative contribue également aux corridors stratégiques Cotonou-
Niamey mais aussi Abidjan-Lagos.
Du côté béninois, la volonté affichée du gouvernement dans le
Programme d’action du
Gouvernement (PAG 2 2021-2026) se traduit par l’inscription de 3 réformes dans le secteur
portuaire qui ont été ou vont être accompagnées par Enabel et Port of Antwerpen International
(POABI):
(i) professionnalisation du métier de transporteur
(ii) mise en place du Système d’information portuaire
(iii) création du bureau d’embauche unique sur la plateforme portuaire
Dans le secteur du transport et des infrastructures, la réorganisation du système d’entretien
routier est aussi visée. À cette fin, la Société des Infrastructures Routières et de
l’Aménagement du Territoire a bénéficié d’un appui technique de la part de l’UE.
ANNEX II – Malaysia update received from the Delegation:
A direct agreement for a 2 MEUR grant is being negotiated with POABI by the EUD in
Malaysia to fund and undertake this series of studies.
- The Delegation come to the satisfactory end of the negotiations of the grant contract of
90% EU-co-financing (= 1.9 MEUR) of an action worth 2.1 MEUR with POABi and State
of Perak to support the LUMIC project. It should be signed in the coming days (maybe
9.
before the meeting of Thursday). We are just missing one last confirmation from POABi
regarding VAT on State of Perak side.
-
.
- For the new multipurpose terminal, POABi already sounded the
interest of European
terminal operators to invest.
.
- Not surprising according to POABi as there is a
strong presence of European
companies in the neighbourhood of the Port (such as Aalborg Portland, Imerys,
Lafarge, Lhoist, Sibelco).
-
-
Regarding the
Global Gateway, the LUMIC project meets the criteria to be considered as
one GG flagship – to be listed as such by BELGIUM instead of EU.
,
- To avoid any confusion on the amounts: the Perak State Government has indeed
announced in the press that the LUMIC area will attract 72 billion MYR (+/- EUR 15
billion) investment over 25 years. The press release also states the total area is 9300 ha. (
SQF = SQFT = square feet) – see the figures in the attached PPP. 9300 ha is the total
surface of the Lumic area including the existing tourism and residential areas.
- The 72 billion MYR is the estimated total investment amount during a period of 25 years
for Perak State, the Lumic Development Company and all private investments. It is
important to note that these figures are subject to change as the project progresses and
various economic factors come into play. The allocation of funds will depend on market
conditions, government priorities, and the overall evolution of the project itself.
Public
investments will primarily be dedicated to developing essential infrastructure such as
land reclamation, roads and utilities. Private sector involvement will play a crucial
role in shaping the development of Lumut. Both partners expect large investments in
the future terminals and logistical zones.
- The project's 25-year timeframe reflects the long-term commitment required for the
comprehensive development of Lumut. This extended duration allows for strategic
planning and implementation acknowledging the need to align the project with changing
economic and societal dynamics in the Perak region. The foreseen period of investments
also shows the predicted sustainability of the investments that will be made. However, this
remains an indication.
10.
