Authorities of Kribi port have expressed wish to improve fluidity of the operation and work by the professional and institutional actors.

Professionals in the maritime sector (ship owners, stevedores, Commissionaires approved customs, etc.) and the various parties involved in the project for the construction of the Kribi deep sea port have gathered experience from the congestion persisting for some time now at the port of Douala, with adverse consequences for the national economy.

A consultation was held from 8th to 11th October last in the seaside city, for the implementation of customs and administrative procedures of the Kribi deep seaport and the involvement of stakeholders in the process of reception of vessels and passage of goods.

The consultation took place in a context marked by the completion of the first phase of the project for the construction of the Kribi deep seaport.

It was disclosed that 'third generation' port, will help revolutionize the national Harbour landscape.

In this regard, the owner of the project, namely the Steering Committee and the Directorate General of customs, have set up a Joint Committee to implement all the measures necessary for the Organization and management of international trade procedures which facilitate port routes.

In addition to an efficient port information system, they are planning the establishment of a single window of foreign trade operations and the development of a code of procedures. The Kribi deep seaport users will enjoy the benefits of dematerialization and the automation of trade procedures. The goods crossing procedures will be so simplified.

"For this port to contribute effectively to competitiveness and growth expected of its realization, it is imperative for the various players in the chain of the future port to engage resolutely in a formal framework of institutional collaboration to reduce the time and cost of transactions, improve, harmonize and simplify procedures, in the context of a coordinated management, noted Minette Libom Li Likeng, Director-general of customs.

However, about the beginning of the effective operation of the port, no specific date is advanced. "The books are ready. The promotion of the port has also started.

The Government has taken to tackle the problems related to its operation. When all these conditions are met, the ship owners will come, says Patrice Melom, Coordinator of the project of the Kribi deep seaport.

In addition, according to the latter, the procedure of selection of the terminal operators should arrive before the end of the year.