Gabes — Commercial activities in the port of Gabes posted an increase of 28% in 2012, compared to 2011.

Some 458 commercial ships docked at the port in 2012 against 359 in 2011, said Director of the port Noureddine Khemakhem, adding that the global volume of imported and exported goods is estimated at 3 million and 39 thousand tons against 2 million and 355 thousand tons.

Imported goods reached 1 million and 828 thousand tons in 2012 against 1 million and 574 thousand tons in 2011, while exported products increased from 808 thousand tons to 1 million and 211 thousand tons.

The sit-in observed for two weeks now by staff of the maintenance company of the Tunisian Chemical Group (CGT) units has disturbed the port activities where quantities of chemical fertilisers and salt have not been loaded on the five ships that would transport them while a cargo containing solid sulphur has not been loaded since January 4, 2013.