Articles

MOROCCAN MINISTER OF EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS,
THE PRESIDENT OF THE MOROCCAN CONFEDERATION OF PRIVATE SECTOR
THE PRESIDENT OF TRANSPORT FEDERATION AND CHIEF OF PARLIAMENT GROUP
PRESIDENT OF AFFM
FIATA PAST PRESIDENTS
FIATA VICE PRESIDENTS
MEMBERS OF RAME
ALL VISITING FRIENDS
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

At the outset we must be reminded that this gathering is held
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING MOHAMMED Vl.

Yes, as visitors we find ourself in what is known as the MAGHREB Region of North Africa - a region covered by large tracts of desert and rugged mountains and with a coastline along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

A Country steeped in History. Here we are talking about the Early Islamic era, the Berber Dynasties,Sharifian Dynasties, French and Spanish Protectorates - etc...

The list goes on...

As RAME Chairman I wish to Welcome you to this the Kingdom of Morocco .

I feel extremely honored to be amongst such distinguished men and women from mainly across the African Continent and then also from elsewhere around the Globe.

Thank you for being here - remember that your presence is an indication of your support not only to RAME but to all the institution, FIATA.

The importance of the Freight Forwarding and Logistics Industry in any Country's Economy cannot be ignored. Our Industry provide essential services and at times do not receive the recognition it deserves. Discussions on Trade Facilitation are at times conducted without the Industry being included and how often have we not seen the consequence of this... costly in all sense of the word.

As stated in my opening message in the program booklet the economic activity in Casablanca are key to the Country's growth. The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial Ports in the World and the second largest Port of North Africa. These cater for the all important export of phosphate. The Casablanca and Mohammedia seaport actively represent 50 percent of the International commercial flows of Morocco and to keep up with the growing demand the entire waterfront is under development.

The importance of Government recognizing the value the Industry offers and brings cannot be sufficiently emphasized. Ignoring the Industry could be at its peril. Growth of a Country's, Economy require collaboration between State and Private enterprise.

That said we must acknowledge that indications are that the formula is at work here in Morocco and the results is evident - Morocco a Country with a Population of only 33 million people commanding the the 5 biggest Economy on the African Continent...That my friends, I must add is impressive - definitely an achievement to be proud of.

As usual success at one end results in new and additional demands and challenges at the other end. Again this has been recognized by the Freight Industry in Morocco and as such emphasis and importance have been placed on vocational training.

AFFM must be congratulated in promoting the development of future logisticians. Well done for recognizing the need and more importantly for acting upon it.

Also for taking advantage of the FIATA Foundation's assistance in sponsoring the TOT program. Yesterday we learned about the collaboration between different entities and the support AFFM receives from various institutions.

It is no secret that this too could be attributed to the significance the Industry command in providing essential services both in contributing to the successful growth of the Countries economy and for ensuring the future generations are equipped to ensure sustainable deliver of service.

As logisticians we fully understand the meaning of "CONNECT AND ACHIEVE WITH EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY "

We have learned to be agile and to weather the continued changes in legislation, technology and changes within the supply chain realm. No matter what is thrown at us we always battle through - this is the resilience of the people within our Industry irrespective their location .... and they as such must be commended. (Issa Baluch's snakes video-clip demonstrates our challenges and the tenacity with which we tackle them.)Never give up - that is our philosophy and it has been that way ever since I found myself in the Freight Forwarding business and I have no doubt it was the same prior to me entering the Industry.

Obviously we will not win every fight but winning the battle is what we are aiming at.

To this end we must be reminded of the FIATA influence in major World bodies responsible for Trade Facilitation...even liaising with Government if and where necessary. As FIATA Members we should take advantage of the available expertise and resources.

Talking about Trade Facilitation - collaboration between COMESA and FIATA (RAME) will strengthen the resolve towards the achievement of the "single window" concept, the efficient border crossing- more so we should work towards the elimination of Visa requirements for Africans to travel within them Continent.

I fail to understand why I need a Visa to visit a neighboring Country.

Maybe not in my lifetime but I pray that in that of my grand-children we Africans would have come to the realization that this practice is a barrier to Trade Facilitation in the wider sense of the word.

Remember what you might be struggling with today was someone else battle yesterday. Let us continue learning from one another. Signing of the various MOU's is a clear sign that collaboration is alive and well and must be sustained.

Before expressing my congratulations to AFFM I need to state that

This is not my first visit to your Country - but I must confess that every time I visit I think back to 1984 there I was sitting in the Olympic Stadium in LA and how proud I was to witness a Moroccan lady winning the the 400 meters hurdles. This was done for AFRICA not just for Morocco- we all celebrated the achievement. Every time you mention LA to my wive she reminds me of me misbehaving after the event...

Finally to AFFM your labors and tenacity have paid off - a word of caution though. Remember that you have created expectation by your members - and to remain relevant you cannot afford to go backward. You must remain relevant- remember sustainability.

Ladies and gentlemen may I request you to put your hands together in thanks to the AFFM team.

Enjoy the 2 days of deliberation.

Thank you.

Basil Pietersen