Special Economic Zones in the OIC Region:
Learning from Experience
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Box 34 - Tanger Med Success Factors – Pillar 3 One-Stop-Shop – TMSA Interview
Tanger Med Port Complex
In 2008, TMSA initiated a process that led to the establishment of a subsidiary dedicated to port
activity, the company Tanger Med Port Authority SA (TMPA). This was done in order to optimize
the operational efficiency of the two core businesses of TMSA which are: the port and the zones
of activities, and in order to enhance development capacities.
TMPA is a public limited company with a board of directors, and a capital of 1,250 billion
dirhams. (MAD). The capital is allocated as follows: 70% for TMSA, Tangier Mediterranean
Special Agency, and 30% for FIPAR, the investment company of CDG Group, according to the
Memorandum of Agreement signed in July 2008 between TMSA and ‘’La Caisse de Depot et de
Gestion (CDG)’.
In January 2010, all the public missions and prerogatives related to the management and
development of the port complex were transferred by Decree of Law from TMSA to Tanger Med
Port Authority allowing TMPA to act as a port authority of the port Tangier Med.
Aligned with the modern port governance practices, The Port Authority of Tangier Med focuses
its missions on the management and the infrastructure development, the coordination and the
animation of the port community and it ensures the reliability and performance of the services
provided to the customers of the port platform.
Aside from the Tangier Med port passengers, the main port activities of the complex Tangier
Med are entrusted to private operators facilitated by a framework of concession contracts.
These operators invest in the superstructures and the equipment of the port and provide
services that meet the international standards of quality, safety and security. For example the
first container terminal (TC1) is operated through a 30 years concession contract granted in
2005 to APM Terminals Tangier, a subsidiary of APM Terminals Group, and of AKWA Group.
The Tanger Med Port Authority (TMPA) is currently undertaking construction of the Tanger Med
II Container Facility. To fund development of this infrastructure the TMPA has secured a EUR
200 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a $178 million loan from the
Discussions with TMSA found that whilst business (fiscal and financial) incentives are considered
to be important in attracting investment they are not necessarily key to the success of the zones.
It is considered that the ease of doing business, particularly with regard to the administrative
processes and the establishment of a one-stop-shop have been more important factors to success.
Investors deal with one entity and are provided a business account manager to facilitate the
process. It was also commented that the streamlining of administrative procedures such as
obtaining licenses and permits have been key factors in increasing the ease of doing business
within the zones.