The overall objective of the project (1996-2001) was to enhance the country's transport and trade effectiveness in the maritime sector in an environmentally sustainable manner. It aimed to help increase port productivity, efficiency and capacity to meet the demand of port users and operators at competitive rates through extension of facilities, mechanization and improved management of the Mauritius Port Authority (MPA), formerly the Mauritius Marine Authority, the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd. (CHCL) and the Mauritius Freeport Authority (MFA), redefine the role of MPA as a landlord port authority working through as series of competitive concession contracts with performance indicators for port operations, support the development of MFA to promote Mauritius as an attractive tax-free base for regional trade, and support port development with sound environmental protection, including control of marine pollution, and port operations and vessels' safety enhancement.