NPA and Government of Liberia Renegotiate GTMS/CTN Deal
The National Port Authority (NPA) has successfully renegotiated the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) agreement, a groundbreaking achievement that will lower import costs, enhance trade efficiency, and increase government revenue. This strategic move demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring ports are more competitive and less costly hubs for trade especially in the MRU Basin.
The renegotiated eliminates excessive administrative fees reduces trade costs, and ensures a greater revenue share for the Liberian government. The agreement is expected to foster a business-friendly environment, attract increased cargo traffic, and stimulate national economic growth.
Key Benefits of the Renegotiation
1. Lower Import Costs for Businesses
The renegotiated CTN structure eliminates unnecessary fees, significantly reducing costs for importers.
The Previous GTMS/CTN charge for a 20ft container import: is $130 (including multiple administrative fees).
The Renegotiated GTMS/CTN Rate is: $95 per 20ft container, a substantial reduction making Liberia’s ports more cost-competitive.
2. More Favorable Export Terms
The revised agreement reduces export fees, supporting Liberian exporters by making their goods more competitive in the global market.
The Previous GTMS/CTN rate: $30 per 20ft container
Renegotiated GTMS/CTN rate: $15 per 20ft container, a 50% reduction
3. Stable and Transparent Bulk Cargo Fees
The base rates for bulk cargo remain unchanged, but the removal of additional documentation charges ensures greater transparency and cost predictability.
Rates:
$0.85 per metric ton (import)
$0.36 per metric ton (export)
4. Increased Government Revenue
A major success of the renegotiation is the increase in government revenue by ensuring that a larger share of CTN-related fees remains in Liberia.
This additional revenue will be invested in port infrastructure, trade facilitation, and national development projects. The reduction in trade costs will also enhance Liberia’s attractiveness to international shipping lines and investors.
The NPA Management Team, under the leadership of MD Sekou A. M. Dukuly, worked closely with key government agencies to secure this successful renegotiation:
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) – Dorbor Jallah
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) – Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan III
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ)– Oswald Tweah
Their joint efforts ensured a transparent, fair, and nationally beneficial agreement that prioritizes the interests of both the government and the private sector.
The renegotiated CTN deal represents a Win-Win for the government of Liberia. Businesses will benefit from lower costs, the government will secure higher revenue, and the port sector will become more efficient and competitive. By eliminating excessive fees and optimizing revenue distribution, this agreement paves the way for sustainable growth and trade expansion.
This achievement underscores the National Port Authority’s commitment to reforming Liberia’s maritime sector for long-term prosperity.
Source : NPA
