Due to the advantage of security, cost and environment protection sectors, Tunisia seeks to increase the load of its freight transported by train from 9% currently to 20% by 2016.
In this context, three agreements on maritime railway transport and strategic industrial products were concluded on Friday in the presence of Mr. Abderrahim Zouari, Minister of Transport and Mr. Afif Chelbi, Minister of Industry and Technology.
The 1st framework agreement on maritime transport of phosphoric acid and phosphate products, was signed between the Tunisian Chemical Group (TAG) and the Gafsa Phosphates Company (CPG) and the "Transmed" Companies, "Africa Marine Company", "Metalship" and the Tunisian Navigation Company (CTN).
The 2nd framework agreement on maritime transport of petroleum products, also for over 5 renewable years, was signed between the Tunisian Company Refining Industries (REI), the Tunisian Petroleum Enterprise (ETAP) and "Transmed" Companies, Africa Marine Company, Metalship and the Tunisian Navigation Company (CTN).
The last agreement was signed between the Tunisian National Railways (SNCFT) and the CPG. It plans to increase the quantities of transported phosphate by rail, from 6, 1 million tons in 2009 to 9, 5 million tons in 2010, from the mining area (Gafsa) to Sfax, Gabes and Skhira.
For his part, the Minister of Industry and Technology, stressed the importance of the agreements signed, including those related to rail transport, noting that they will be able to join more strategic industrial products to international transportation system .
© Tunisia Online News 2010
