The Logistics Sector on the Southern Shores of the Western ... - cetmo

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Logistics</strong> <strong>Sector</strong>on the Southern Shores of the Western Mediterranean October 2010OverviewThis report was carried out by the CETMO and commissioned by the Group 5+5 of TransportMinisters of the Western Mediterranean (GTMO 5+5). Its general purpose is to contribute tothe improvement of logistics and transport services on the southern shores of the WesternMediterranean.<strong>The</strong> viewpoint chosen consists of considering that improving logistics chains and servicesdoes not just depend on improving infrastructure, changing regulations and liberalizing theeconomy, but requires modernizing public and private operators and supporting themodernization process. For this reason, not only the operators themselves, but also theirenvironment (which is known as the logistics cluster) need to be taken into account, for realimprovement requires interrelation and balance between all parties involved.In summary, the main considerations, conclusions and recommendations in this study arepresented below, following the order of the table of contents of this report.1. Description of the <strong>Logistics</strong> ClustersFrom the viewpoint of the economic and regulatory context which underpins and conditionsthe transport and logistics sector, the following factors are of note:In the case of Morocco and Tunisia, there are explicit economic policies for tighteningrelations with the European Union and creating nearshoring zones to attract as muchbusiness as possible. Algeria, for its part, is placing its hopes on the significant resources ithas available, as well as a framework for internal development. In Libya, the government hasadopted the model of using oil to generate growth, diversify the economy and lowerunemployment. Mauritania, for its part, relies on its four basic economic sectors: three ofthem traditional (mining, agriculture and fishing) and one more recent (oil).All the countries are involved in a process of industrial development, with more diversity inMorocco and Tunisia and more focus on the energy sector in Algeria. Numerous investmentprogrammes and projects are under way in the three central Maghreb countries. <strong>The</strong>y aim toimprove linear infrastructure (roads and railways) in order to develop a network of logisticshubs to concentrate traffic, improve transport organization and intermodality, and serve as abasis for logistics provisions meeting modern standards. In Libya, an ambitious developmentprogramme of road and port infrastructure and the creation of hitherto non-existent railinfrastructure is under way. In Mauritania, infrastructure is also an important policy objectiveof the government, which is anxious to reinforce links with the other Maghreb countries andcreate a convergence point between the north of the continent and Sub-Saharan Africa.Proportionally, the foreign general-cargo sector is larger in the Moroccan and Tunisianeconomies. <strong>The</strong> increased requirements of this type of chain in terms of services putpressure on improving the logistics sector. In the case of Algeria and Libya, there is a majorimbalance in favour of energy-product exports. In Mauritania, iron, copper, gold, oil and fishrepresent more than 97% of total exports.<strong>The</strong> practically total predominance of traditional, local trade and the weak development ofmodern commercial distribution is common to all five countries studied. Wholesalers controlimports and logistics of consumer goods.CETMO 5