Franklim Spencer
President of ENAPOR
Agriculture & Fisheries / Cape Verde
“The cluster has a holistic perspective and offers unexplored opportunities for business”
What is the relevance of the ‘sea cluster’?
The sea is the most talked about economic potential of Cape Verde. Fisheries employ around 5,000 people, which means 1% of the population of the country. Enapor represents another 1,300 employees, directly or indirectly. The cluster has a holistic perspective and offers unexplored opportunities for investment: scientific research, energy production, water sports… We also started work on the development of cruise tourism. The port of São Vicente now handles about 300,000 passengers per year.
What are the strengths of Cape Verde?
We have the deepest port in the entire region, at 16 meters, and a privileged geographical area, with ports and airports at a distance of less than eight kilometres. The International Business Centre of Lazarede is less than one kilometre from the port and five from the airport.
The cold storage complex and northern access to Porto Grande are also important challenges.
The cold storage complex is already 25% complete and will be ready in June 2014, with a capacity to store 2,000 tons at -22ºC. The north entrance to Porto Grande should be finished in February 2014 and will provide new services for receiving, storage and delivery of goods: a new super-modern structure in 2014-2015.
How will you face these investments?
Nowadays, the ports serve as industrial platforms. We built the infrastructure and now it is time for the private sector to come in and provide the added value: products, services, leisure. Since 2004, Cape Verde has been determined to consign all activities. Enapor owns and manages the infrastrutures, while private alternatives are to be found for the operation of commercial services.
Who would be the ideal partner?
We are looking for a partner with ‘know-how’, financial ability and, above all, capacity to catalyse other investors for stimulating the development of the port sector at a much higher rhythm than what we have seen.
Do you think the Middle East could become a partner?
The Middle East has positioned itself as a connection between Asia and Europe; we are located the same distance between Europe, South America and the United States. Our strategy is to leverage the same advantages as the Emirates for Cape Verde and we are in the position to do so because we offer excellent conditions for business development. Our main shortfall will be at the level of financial products but, in this too, they can be partners.
