African, Asian seaports benefit from new UN-backed training programme

African and Asian officials will receive training in the efficient operation of seaports as part of a United Nations programme to help developing countries acquire the skills needed to participate more effectively in the global economy under an agreement signed today.

UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dublin Port Company (DPC) that will provide 150,000 Euros in direct financial support and 150,000 Euros’ worth of expenses assumed for training and expertise.

The partnership will set the stage for financial contributions from the DPC to UNCTAD, and for practical assistance from the port firm as UNCTAD expands its activities for seaport communities in English-speaking developing countries. The agreement will complement UNCTAD’s work in this field, now supported by the Irish Development Agency (Irish Aid).

Under the new memorandum, ‘train-the-trainers’ workshops will be held in Dublin, and joint technical assistance missions featuring UNCTAD and Dublin Port Company staff will travel to developing countries. Additional training materials also will be worked up for UNCTAD’s course on Modern Port Management.

Fact-finding missions have already been carried out by UNCTAD and the DPC to selected ports in Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania to determine what is needed to improve operations.

Set up in 1964 to promote the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy, UNCTAD has progressively sharpened its focus on ensuring that domestic policies and international action are mutually supportive in bringing about sustainable development.