Dublin Port to help developing countries

The United Nations today named Dublin Port as a key partner in helping developing countries boost their economies through shipping.

The Irish facility will train up port authorities in impoverished English-speaking states as part of the UN’s TrainForTrade programme.

Enda Connellan, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company, said he was delighted with the announcement at the start of a three-day UN conference in Dublin Castle.

“Dublin Port is a thriving port operating international best practice procedures,” he said.

“Our involvement in the TrainForTrade programme demonstrates that the company is well placed to share our knowledge and skills with ports of developing countries to help them develop their human resources in the port sector and build their economies.”

Delegates from more than 20 Asian and African countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Benin, Maldives, Nambia, India and Cambodia are attending the UN conference.

They are taking part in the TrainForTrade Port Training Programme to strengthen port business in developing countries through training and development.

It helps the ports attract and generate trade, while also improving standards in safety and environmental management, adoption of updated information systems and handling and commercial practices.

The conference is expected to launch an international training and co-operation network of English-speaking port communities in developing countries.

Maritime transport and port services are vital for the economies of countries and have considerable influence on the volume and conditions of trade.

Earlier this year, Dublin Port Company in partnership with FAS launched Ireland’s first maritime transport learning and development network for the Dublin Port estate.

The training network aims to further develop skills across the shipping and logistics industry and has already attracted 30 companies and 2,500 employees.