TOC Africa, part of the world’s leading port and cargo supply chain event series – TOC Worldwide – has enjoyed a successful first day. Welcoming delegates from 35 different nations, the event, taking place from 20-21 September 2023 in Tangier, Morocco, is located close to Tanger Med, its host port, and supported by DP World.
Delegates were treated to a full conference programme as well as a tour of Tanger Med, Africa and the Mediterranean’s largest container port. The development of port and logistics infrastructure in Morocco and the African continent was widely discussed during Day One, as were the key industry topics of sustainability, digitisation and the challenges that arise in times of economic disruption and unpredictable events.
His Excellency, Mohammed Abdeljalil, Minister of Transport & Logistics, Kingdon of Morocco, graced the event with his presence and valuable contribution to the conversation, describing how his country is benefitting from embracing the opportunities that come with establishing and investing in a rigorous logistics infrastructure.
In his opening speech, he said: "Morocco has embarked on a policy of liberalising the maritime transport sector and developing modern, competitive ports. It has also adopted an advanced legal framework to regulate the construction, maintenance and operation of port facilities. The Kingdom has drawn up an ambitious port strategy for 2030, which constitutes the roadmap for the development of our country's ports and paves the way for the participation of the various players in the public and private sectors.
“The success of the Tangier Med Port Complex project, thanks to the royal vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is the best proof of Morocco's experience in this field, which makes this project an example of reference for the development of future projects at national level, notably the ports of Nador in the western Mediterranean and Dakhla Atlantic, which are currently being completed.”
Fouad Brini, Chairman of the Tanger Med Group, added: "In addition to being the leading port platform in both the Mediterranean and Africa, Tanger Med is positioned as an integrated industrial-port platform serving the logistical competitiveness of our continent. Tanger Med is fully in line with the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI by supporting all initiatives aimed at encouraging cooperation between port authorities and African special economic zones.
"As a port and logistics player, Tanger Med, as it has done in the past by promoting initiatives in favour of African port authorities and special economic zones, is committed to pursuing cooperation, sharing expertise and joint development."
Representatives from across the region added to the debate by demonstrating how port facilities are being developed to embrace favourable geographic and economic advantages. The general mood of speakers and delegates at this well-attended event was positive, with the phrase “the future is bright, the future is Africa” ringing in their ears as they departed Day One of the two-day conference and exhibition programme.
In tandem with the conference programme, TOC Africa also featured an exhibition showcasing product and service providers. Exhibitors said they were delighted with the conversations they were having with existing and potential customers as well as with industry colleagues from across Africa and beyond.
The final Day of TOC Africa takes place in Tangier on Thursday September 21st.
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