THE Coega Development Corporation (CDC), developer and operator of the Coega special economic zone, has welcomed the move by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to relocate its head office to the Port of Ngqura.
“It’s a much-welcomed move and one the CDC looks forward to with keen interest, bearing in mind the symbiotic economic enabling relationship the CDC and Port of Ngqura have enjoyed over a long period of time,” remarked Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, the CDC unit head of marketing, brand and communications.
“We see this decision of the TNPA as showing the commitment to be closer to clients, ensuring unblocking of projects, and also facilitating further the competitiveness of ports, impacting positively on the various port users.
“TNPA provides the assurance that there are adequate, affordable, equitable and efficient port services and facilities available to the users of the ports.
“In addition, TNPA provides high levels of service and increasing efficiency for a growing customer base, enhancing South Africa’s global competitiveness and facilitating the expansion of the South African economy through socially and environmentally sustainable port development,” added Vilakazi.
With the establishment of the Coega project, as far back as 1999, the Port of Ngqura has added tremendous value to the Coega special economic zone (SEZ), due to its strategic location.
The relocation of the head office to Port of Ngqura is a critical enabler in tapping into the raw potential of the Eastern Cape economy, its role in improving the overall competitiveness of South Africa, and unlocking opportunities in the coastal regions, further realising the country’s strategy on the oceans economy.
“There are various national strategic projects on which we are already collaborating with the TNPA, including the proposed gas to power programme, following a declaration by national government that the CDC will be the location for liquefied natural gas through the allocation of 1 000MW. The Port of Ngqura is required to play a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the project.”
Moreover, the CDC is particularly keen to advance the Coega SEZ’s transshipment hub strategy, with Zone 1 (back of port operations) set aside as a maritime and logistics area that is integrated with the deep-water Port of Ngqura.
“The transshipment hub has proven successful in other countries like at the Port of Singapore,” concluded Vilakazi.
Issued by: Coega Development
Corporation
