Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP) and Tanger Med Port Authority (TMPA) signed, on Thursday, April 13, a memorandum of understanding aimed at developing technological payment solutions applied to the port sector. These will be integrated into the blockchain platform of the Port Community System of Tanger Med.

Electronic payment solutions for the port sector, this is what the Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP) wishes to set up in partnership with Tanger Med Port Authority (TMPA). The two entities signed, on Thursday, April 13, a memorandum of understanding to develop technological payment solutions applied to the port sector, and which will be integrated into the blockchain platform of the Port Community System of Tanger Med.

In a joint press release published on Wednesday, April 19, the two structures indicate that this new cooperation, the first results of which are expected by the end of 2023, will make it possible to design payment solutions based on blockchain technology, adapted to the needs of the port ecosystem (port users, suppliers and other stakeholders) and allowing them to benefit from the advantages of this innovative technology, particularly in terms of efficiency, transparency, security and cost reduction.

Concretely, TMPA will provide its knowledge and experience of the port ecosystem, including its infrastructure, operations and regulatory framework. For its part, BCP will provide its expertise and resources to support the development of payment solutions based on blockchain technology in the port ecosystem.

According to Kamal Mokdad, CEO of BCP, "this new collaboration represents an opportunity for the BCP Group and Tanger Med to explore together the undeniable contributions of blockchain and new technologies in general in favor of the excellence and competitiveness of the port system.

We are delighted to bring our expertise and resources to improve the experience of the players in the port ecosystem, through innovative solutions to simplify and streamline the associated payment operations.

As for Hassan Abkari, CEO of TMPA, he believes that "this new collaboration with BCP represents an opportunity for Tanger Med and its customers to improve its offer and complete the range of services developed around its blockchain, for better automation and security of documentary and financial flows generated by import and export operations."

According to him, "Tanger Med has developed functionalities based on blockchain technology and integrated into its Port Community System, covering all stakeholders involved at the port level, from the shipping company to the final importer."

Majda Benthami