A timely tonic

摘要

For a number of years, many shipping industry analysts have viewed investment in the West African ports arena as a 'nobrainer'. Bureaucracy, corruption and inefficiency proliferate in this region. And this is in addition to the generally unstable political and economic environment. Ports have traditionally been seen by West African nationals as a tremendous place to earn revenue, and have, therefore, stubbornly resis- ted change and privatisation. But despite all of this, there has been a great deal of financial interest in the region over the past 18 months. During this period, one company in particular - APM Terminals (APMT) - has specifically widened its interest in West Africa. It has won operating concessions at Luanda (Angola), Lagos (Nigeria) and Douala (Cameroon) and has purchased a 40% stake at Abidjan's Vridi container terminal. Quite why there has been so much interest remains unclear. However, a company spokesman stated: 'APMTs wants to create opportunities in global commerce, and we believe we can make a difference in West Africa. In combining our global experience with our local expertise, we can add significant benefits to West African port operations, and create win-win solutions for all involved.'