News Release May 14, 2001

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News Release

May 14, 2001

World Bank Port Reform Toolkit

Now Available Via Internet

The World Bank has placed on its website the newly prepared Port Reform Toolkit. This toolkit is intended as a reference document for port managers, government agencies and others responsible for port activities. It provides an overview of the competitive environment facing port managers in the 21st century and assesses options for improving port efficiency and restructuring the way port operations are managed.

The toolkit is organized into eight modules. Each module deals with a specific subject. Among the subjects covered are options for privatizing port activities, reforming port regulations, handling labor issues, etc.

International Maritime Associates contributed to the preparation of this toolkit. Our primary contribution was to assess the five forces that will interact to shape the competitive landscape facing port authorities and port service providers: (1) rivalry among existing competitors, (2) threat of new competitors, (3) potential for global substitutes, (4) bargaining power of port users and (5) bargaining power of port service providers. These forces will impact ports of all sizes, driving requirements for port expansion, service improvement, pricing decisions and other management actions. The Netherlands Economic Institute participated with IMA in preparing this portion of the toolkit.

The port reform toolkit can be viewed on the World Bank website at www.worldbank.org/transport/ports/toolkit.htm.

IMA has been involved in numerous studies involving port restructuring. Some of our recent assignments in the port sector are described under consulting services.

For further information contact:

Jim McCaul

Tel: 202-333-8501

E-mail: imaassoc@msn.com