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In 1994, the WTO Negotiating Group on Maritime Transport Services initiated a survey of member governments’ market and regulatory structures applying to the maritime transport services sector. The responses to the survey questionnaire provide detailed descriptions of existing maritime policies and regulations. The structure of the questionnaire follows the GATS classification of sub-sectors and restrictive measures.

# **_2.4.3 Port Efficiency_**

Maritime transport costs are determined to a large extent by port efficiency. Activities at ports that effect international trade transaction depend upon port infrastructure (like pilot age, towing and tug assistance, cargo handling) and customs related activities. Port efficiency varies from one country to another and from one region to another.

# _<u>Port Reform Toolkit</u> – World Bank_

The benefits of a successful port reform through more efficient port operations can accrue to allexporters, consumers, shippers and governments. One of the main challenges facing policy makers in charge of port reform is a lack of useful knowledge that can benefit their own reform process. This World Bank toolkit provides comprehensive background information, case studies, concrete tools and methods to help policy makers in the reform process of ports. It seeks to fill the knowledge gap and can improve the understanding of challenges and risks for sector reform. Through its various modules, the toolkit discussed in-depth different port reform options, financial implications of reform, labor and other social issues, as well as implementation.

The toolkit analyzes the specific requirements of the port sector in great detail. Other sector specialists can also learn from such a flexible approach to introducing private sector participation, especially regarding issues such as risk allocation, design of competitive arrangements and consideration of labor issues. Common models are reviewed in depth (including concessions or leases). Tools to review hybrid options and assess their merits and risks are also provided. (see <u>Annex D</u> for Module-Based Project Guidelines for Trade Facilitation).

Visitors can download the entire toolkit, or go directly to one of the eight modules:

- <u>Module 1:</u> (PDF, 346KB) provides an overall summary and a "road map" to the port reform process.

- <u>Module 2:</u> (PDF, 619KB) describes the forces shaping port dynamics in the 21st century and helps readers put the port they are seeking to privatize in a global context.

- <u>Module 3:</u> (PDF, 411KB) describes the different port structures and ownership models, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each and presents options for port reform, with alternative implementation strategies and expected results.

- <u>Module 4:</u> (PDF, 1.2MB) describes the legal tools required to carry out port reform and offers examples of model clauses to be used in legal documentation.

- <u>Module 5:</u> (PDF, 806KB) examines the financial implications of port reform, with an analysis of the risk allocation between stakeholders, potential sources of funding and pricing principles.

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