Ivory Coast ports to re-open

Ivory Coast ports are expected to begin re-opening this week, following the overthrow of former President Laurent Gbagbo.


Incoming president Alassane Ouattara’s spokesman said he expected economic activity to return to normal, including critical cocoa exports. Ivory Coast produces about a third of the world’s cocoa – the country’s main source of export income.


“Port activity will start this week and we expect the first boats to arrive starting next week, with exports proceeding normally,” said Patrick Achi, Ouattara's spokesman.


UN forces are reported to be assisting Ouattara’s army to patrol the ports of Abidjan and San Pedro while other parts of the city and towns are still being secured.


“At the port of Abidjan, we are working jointly with the Licorne (French military) forces, and in San Pedro jointly with UNOCI (the United Nations mission in Ivory Coast),” Achi said, adding that around 500,000 tonnes of cocoa and cocoa products were stockpiled at the two ports awaiting shipment.


There is no indication when foreign banks operating in the Ivory Coast will recommence trading reports Ports and Shipping.
(Source:http://www.container-mag.com)