Mozambique's Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA) has championed maritime cabotage as a strategic alternative to reduce logistics costs, improve connectivity between the country's regions, and strengthen the competitiveness of the national productive sector.
According to an official statement, the position was presented by António Souza, head of CTA's Infrastructure Portfolio, at the seminar 'From Asphalt to Sea: Cabotage, Competitiveness and the Transformation of National Logistics', held on the sidelines of the 61st edition of FACIM and organised by the National Institute of Maritime Transport (ITRANSMAR, IP).
The CTA argued that coastal freight transport could help reduce dependence on long-distance road haulage, which is currently associated with high costs for businesses and increased pressure on the country's main road network.
During the event, participants contended that establishing regular maritime links between the northern, central, and southern regions could contribute to greater economic integration across the country, while providing a predictable alternative for cargo transport.
Cabotage was also identified as a means of diversifying the transport matrix and improving supply chain efficiency, particularly for companies moving large volumes of goods between different regions.
To make the model viable, participants called for the creation of a clear and stable regulatory framework, improvements in port efficiency, reductions in waiting times and operational costs, and the simplification of licensing, berthing, and cargo-handling procedures.
Pricing was identified as another key challenge. Speakers noted that maritime transport will only attract greater demand from the private sector if it can offer costs that are sufficiently competitive relative to currently available alternatives.
The CTA further argued that cabotage should not operate in isolation, but rather be integrated with road and rail transport, enabling cargo to move between ports, production centres, and consumer markets with greater efficiency.
A commitment to intermodality, participants said, could improve the fluidity of the national logistics chain, reduce costs for businesses, and reinforce economic integration between Mozambique's different regions.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=538158
