The Transport Observatory
Establishment
The Transport Observatory of the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council was established by decision No. 025/CNCC/DG/2016 of 19 February 2016, by the CNSC General Manager, following the recommendations of the Cotonou I and II round tables organized by MOWCA
The Transport Observatory of the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council, abbreviated ‘OT-CNCC’ is an instrument for monitoring surveillance and information in the area of carriage of goods on the whole multimodal transport chain including the ports.
Missions
The Transport Observatory is an instrument for monitoring and anticipation of information necessary for decision-making. Its mission is to:
- Collect economic data on international transport;
- Develop tools for knowledge and information on the various modes of cargo transport, in order to enlighten the choice of public decision-makers and economic actors;
- Protect trade, partnership and awareness of the rights and obligations of the various actors of the transport sector;
- Promote the transport sector.
Actions
In order to attain its objectives, the Observatory is bound to take a certain number of actions, notably:
- OBSERVATION ET MONITORING
- Compile national statistics on the various modes of cargo transport ;
- Define the relevant indicators and ensure the follow-up of their evolution;
- Maintain a dashboard for monitoring key indicators of cargo transport.
- STUDIES
- Carry out periodical and specialised studies on transit corridors;
- Study the hassles of each mode of transport.
- INFORMATION
- Produce and circulate a quarterly note on the economic situation showing the evolution of foreign trade and transport indicators;
- Produce and circulate a semester report on the abnormal practices observed in each mode of transport;
- Maintain an up-to-date documentary base describing the institutional, legal and regulatory framework of the maritime leg of international transport;
- ANIMATION
- Develop tools for a better mutual acquaintance among actors of the transport sector and knowledge of their problems;
- Organise events (Workshops, Seminars etc.) on themes related to the carriage of goods.
- HARMONISATION
- Follow up work relating to the functioning of the Transport Observatory carried out in international and regional institutions;
- Share experience with other African Transport Observatories.
General Organisation
In order to guarantee the attainment of its objectives notably ensuring accessibility to statistical data and other types of information, the Observatory was set up in collaboration with actors of the logistics chain who are the main partners.
The Transport Observatory being a new system qui incorporated into the dynamic activity of transport, with the possibility of attracting new actors, thus the list of partners presented here-below cannot be exhaustive. The Observatory could consequently initiate new partnerships within the framework of attaining its objectives.
Thus, within the framework of the TO, there is an establishment of relations with administrations directly involved with the whole logistics chain (corridors, ports) and /or producing data needed by the Observatory. These trade relations equally extend to the main actors in ports and corridors whose role shall be vital in the production and validation of enquiry reports as well as in making recommendations.
A classification of seven (7) categories is possible :
- Ministries
- Ministry of Transport (MINT) ;
- Ministry of Public Works (MINTP) ;
- Ministry of Trade (MINCOMMERCE) ;
- Ministry of Forestry and Fauna (MINFOF) ;
- Port entities
- Port Authority of Douala (PAD) ;
- Port Authority of Kribi (PAK);
- Single Window for the Foreign Trade Operations (GUCE) ;
- Customs Headquarters (DGD).
- Freight Managers
- Land Freight Management Bureaux (BGFT, BNF, BARC) ;
- Cameroon Railways (CAMRAIL) ;
- Cameroon Airports(ADC).
- Terminal Operators
- Douala International Terminal (DIT) ;
- Cameroon logyard company (SEPBC) ;
- TMFD Auto Park and SOCOMAR Auto Park
- Douala Mixed Fruit Terminal (TMFD).
- Forces of Law and Ordre
- State Secretariat for Defence (SED) ;
- General Delegation for National Security (DGSN).
- Syndicates
- Syndicates of Cameroon Transporters;
- Syndicates of Central African Transporters;
- Syndicates of Chadian Transporters;
- Syndicates of Freight Fowarders and Licensed Customs Agents;
- Union of Shipping Agents and Ship-owners of Cameroon(UCAM);
- Syndicates of Stevedores.
- Other experts
- National Institute of Statistic (INS);
- National Trade Facilitation Committee (CONAFE).
An observatory monitoring committee presided by the CNSC General Manager was set up in 2015. It comprises all administrations/organisations earlier mentioned. The Vice-chairmanship is held by the Ministry of Transport.