TICT is a flagship project for Syria in its drive to attract foreign investment, skills transfer and private sector involvement in key industries. The country has earmarked transport for increased private-sector participation in a drive to become a regional trade hub. It is particularly keen to modernise operations and management.

In return, Syria offers a relatively untapped market. It has a growing middle-class hungry for foreign consumer brands, as well as offering low-cost labour and the potential to attract investment in manufacturing.

But Tartous is not the only Syrian port to be privatised. In February 2009, Lattakia Port General Company awarded a 10-year concession to CMA-CGM and its local partner Souria Holding to manage its container terminal.

CMA-CGM is a major customer for TICT. It has pledged to increase Lattakia’s container capacity from 570,000 TEUs in 2008 to 1 million TEUs by 2012, investing in infrastructure and equipment. This could see the shipping company concentrate more cargo at its own terminal, with Tartous’ loss becoming Lattakia’s gain.