The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) has solicited the support of South Korean government towards establishment of a regional shipping line to serve the interest of West and Central African countries.
The Secretary-General, MOWCA, Dr. Paul Adalikwu, also requested a visit to the South Korean Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, at the weekend. Adalikwu highlighted the long-standing working relationship between MOWCA and Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)
Adalikwu told the first Secretary and Consul of Republic of South Korea Embassy in Abidjan, Lee Jinmoon, that a regional shipping line would be of collective benefit to the 25-member countries of MOWCA and partner institutions like KOICA.
He reiterated MOWCA’s drive to promote cost-effective maritime transport services as well as safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea, training of maritime personnel, sustainable funding of the shipping industry and facilitating the transit of cargoes to landlocked member countries.
Adalikwu also said MOWCA is looking at developing capacity in areas of dry docking, ship repairs and maintenance as well as local manufacturing of ancillary equipment and working gears like life jackets.
He said such an initiative could serve the expansion of maritime business opportunities and the creation of employment for thousands of skilled youths, who have undergone training within and outside the continent.
Adalikwu highlighted the importance of South Korea as a maritime powerhouse that emphasises sharing its experience with developing countries and international organisations.
He reiterated that MOWCA is committed to actualise the completion of its ongoing projects such as the Coast Guard Function Network, improving the Centre for Information and Communication, and the Regional Maritime Development Bank
Adalikwu, however, disclosed that under his watch, measures have been taken to engage with international partners and agencies to develop cooperation, particularly with International Maritime Organisation (IMO), African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Adalikwu further recalled that between 2005 and 2008, MOWCA received support from KOICA in the form of training of experts, donation of vehicles and computers/servers.
On his part, Jinmoon thanked Adalikwu for the visit and reassured him of his country’s cooperation with the development of the organisations and maintaining robust diplomatic ties with other countries.
He promised to report Adalikwu’s visit and requests to the Korean Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, who was out of Abidjan on a mission at the time of MOWCA delegation visit.
