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FEMIP TRUST FUNDTECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Appendix B to Contract Nr. …………….

TERMS OF REFERENCEFOR A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT IN SYRIA

Type of contract: Technical and Economic Feasibility studies

Country: Syria

Underlying Project: Euro-Mediterranean Network of Logistics Platforms in the Industrial City of Hassia.

Project Number: TA2010025

Promoter: Syrian Arab Republic, Ministry of Transport

Date: 30.9.2010

Version: V(3)

TABLE OF CONTENT1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1

1.1 Beneficiary country and Promoter 11.2 Contracting Authority and FEMIP Mandate 11.3 Relevant country background 11.4 Current state of affairs in the relevant sector 21.5 Related programmes 4

2 OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED RESULTS 62.1 Objectives of the concerned project 6

2.1.1 Overall objective 62.1.2 Specific objective 6

2.2 Objectives of the required technical assistance 62.3 Results to be achieved by the Consultant 6

3 ASSUMPTIONS & RISKS 73.1 Assumptions underlying the TA operation intervention 73.2 Risks 7

4 SCOPE OF THE WORK 84.1 General 8

4.1.1 Geographical area to be covered 84.1.2 Target groups 9

4.2 Specific activities 94.2.1 Activities for obtaining result 1: Review of Socio-economic Assessment 94.2.2 Activities for obtaining result 2: Preliminary Technical Project 94.2.3 Activities for obtaining result 3: Environmental Impact Assessment 104.2.4 Activities for obtaining result 4: Economic and financial Profitability 114.2.5 Activities for obtaining result 5: Institutional Framework and applicable Procedures

114.3 Management of TA Operation 12

4.3.1 Responsible body 124.3.2 Management structure 12

5 LOGISTICS AND TIMING 135.1 Location of TA operations 135.2 Commencement date & Period of execution 13

6 REQUIREMENTS 146.1 Personnel 14

6.1.1 General remarks 146.1.2 Key experts 146.1.3 Other experts 156.1.4 Support staff & backstopping 15

6.2 Facilities to be provided by the Promoter 156.3 Facilities to be provided by the Consultant 156.4 Equipment 156.5 Incidental expenditure 156.6 Expenditure verification 15

7 REPORTS 167.1 Reporting requirements 167.2 Submission & approval of reports 167.3 Visibility requirements 16

8 MONITORING AND EVALUATION 188.1 Definition of indicators 188.2 Special requirements 18

9 ANNEXES 19

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ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY

BOT Build, Operate and TransferCFS Syrian Railway EstablishmentEC European CommissionEIB European Investment BankEMLP Euro-Mediterranean Logistics PlatformsESCWA Economic and Social Commission for Western AsiaEU European UnionEuroMed Multilateral cooperation started by the Union with 12 and then 10 Mediterranean

partner countries (MPC)FEMIP Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and PartnershipFTF FEMIP Trust FundIRR Internal Rate of ReturnMEDA Mesures d’accompagnement (financières et techniques à la réforme des structures

économiques et sociales dans le cadre du partenariat euro-méditerranéen)MEDLOG Name of the network of Euro-Mediterranean logistics platforms supported by the

FEMIPMOS Motorways of the SeaMPC Mediterranean Partner Countries (Member States of the EuroMed Cooperation)NPV Net Present ValueTA Technical AssistanceTEN-T Trans-European Transport NetworkTOR Terms of Reference

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1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1 Beneficiary country and Promoter

The beneficiary country is Syria. The promoter is the Ministry of Transport.

1.2 Contracting Authority and FEMIP Mandate

The Contracting Authority is the European Investment Bank.

The funds used by the Bank are those from the FEMIP Trust Fund.

Explanatory notes:

a) The European Investment Bank’s operations in the Mediterranean partner countries have been brought together under the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP) since October 2002.

b) The FEMIP Technical Assistance (TA) Support Fund utilises non-repayable aid granted by the European Commission in support of EIB investment activities in the southern Mediterranean countries, assisting promoters during different stages of the project cycle.

c) The FEMIP Trust Fund (FTF) is conceived as a multi-donor, multipurpose and multi-sector trust fund whose main objective is to support private sector development in the Mediterranean partner countries. The operations of the FTF comprise two windows, namely the Technical Assistance window and the Private Sector Support window. The FTF TA window is used for upstream technical assistance activities which are not necessarily linked to an EIB investment and therefore not eligible for financing under the FEMIP Support Fund. Activities that fall under the scope of the TA window are policy, legal, regulatory and institutional reform, sector development strategies, capacity building and training.

1.3 Relevant country background

The Syrian Arab Republic has a surface of 185 180 km2 and a population of 21.3 million inhabitants in 2008. Main cities are Damascus (1.7 million in the capital and 3.5 million in the Greater Damas), Aleppo (3 million), Homs (1.3 million), Lattakia (port) and Hamah.

Main products are minerals, textiles and clothing, fresh and processed food, leather goods, chemicals and semi-finished goods. The Gross Domestic Product is about 2 573 USD per capita.

In 2007 the Syrian foreign trade had a volume of about 26 billion USD and was focused on EU Member States (32 %), Arab countries (31 %) and various Asian countries (21 %)1.

A double change started in Syria in 20002 with regard to the economic deployment of the country. The institutions were modernised (the State in particular withdrew from some economic activities) and the opening of the country to the foreign trade and investors.

The modernisation process of the economy has the following main characteristics:

• The opening to import goods and a support to the foreign trade flows. This opening put an end to the old rules whereby imports and exports should be balanced. The commercial deficit remains limited although imports exceed the exports.

• An opening and a support to the private sector and foreign investments in the manufacturing industry in particular but also in the extraction sector. The applicable law is No. 8, which replaced the Legislative Decree No.10. This policy increases the rate of private participation partnership on the investments in Syria and is in favour projects of industrial cities..

1 Source: UN Data 20082 This paragraph has been mainly extracted from the document "Logistic Needs in the Mediterranean

Partner Countries: Phase 1, reports 2 & 7: Evaluation of the needs for logistic platforms in each MPC - Identification of the first candidate sites - Syria (Catram Consultants, Team International, Team Maroc) December 2007"

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• A progressive withdrawal of the Government from the economic sectors where it was sometimes holding a monopolistic position, either through the opening of the markets or by closing down public companies. Although this disengagement is still limited, one can observe that the modernisation of the banking sector and the development of the foreign private bank network (mainly Lebanese and Jordan) are underway. Important private companies in the strategic fields such as agriculture, spinning, textile, etc. are also developing.

1.4 Current state of affairs in the relevant sector

The logistic sector is virtually non-existent in Syria as a distinct sector of transport and international trade:

The existing sites dedicated to warehousing are associated with dry ports (Aleppo) managed by the railways and/or bonded to customs clearance warehouses. They are, in general, under the responsibility of the customs authorities, either directly or via the free zone management department.

In the majority of cases, industrialists or distributors themselves are responsible for storage facilities.

In 2005, a modern storage area was created near Damascus airport (Damascus freight village) to cater for the needs of air transit. The customs authorities are still the exclusive logistics operator for air transit.

For international road or maritime shipping agents, the areas devoted to warehousing are small and are used only for making and breaking bulk loads. They do not exceed 1 000 m2

and are mostly in the range of 250 to 500 m2, organised using traditional methods.

In the case of commercial activities, the storage areas are spread around the old town centres, where most retailing activity takes place. At present, the distribution networks consist almost exclusively of independent shops, which are often family-owned. Chain stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets are poorly developed. This situation helps to maintain the small, highly scattered warehousing areas that still occupy large parts of the town centres.

Development projects, such as industrial estates designed in the early 2000s, usually do not include areas dedicated to private storage.

Finally, one has to mention that modern logistics areas do not have any specific legal status.

The largest international forwarding agents have projects in progress with a view to creating logistics areas. Some of them have already rented areas in the freight village at Damascus airport. Nevertheless the authorities are sensitised to the deficits of logistic chains in several respects:

It is necessary to improve the conditions for taking charge of and distributing goods entering Syria, in particular via the ports and overland (from Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon).

Domestic distribution logistics must be better organised, and in particular jobs in the field of goods transport and shipment within Syria, and indirectly those in the field of commercial distribution, must be made in a more professional manner.

There are needs for logistics services with regard to export products. Syria has a high-quality and efficient industrial infrastructure in many sectors. This industry is geared primarily towards the domestic market and towards neighbouring countries, but multinational companies are increasingly setting up business in Syria (conditions for doing so have recently been simplified) and quality logistics services should help to support the competitiveness of Syrian products on the international markets.

Because of its geographical position, Syria has traditionally been a country through which trade has passed overland (along the north-south route through the Middle East from Turkey to Saudi Arabia via Jordan and from the Syrian ports in the west to Iraq in the east) and by sea (goods continue to move to Iraq, even though the situation has been severely affected since 2003). In addition to the location of Syria

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in its role as a transit country, the Syrian ports are essential for transport to Europe and vice versa.

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This situation is highlighted by the following sketch/map:Map 1: Location of Hassia (or Hissyah)

Source: Logistics Needs, Case Study in Syria (see par. 9 for details)

The town of Hassia has been chosen for the EMLP. The new Hassia Industrial City, is located 47 km from Homs, the third largest city in Syria, on the country's main North-South road running between Aleppo and Damascus.

This choice is the result of a compromise between the Syrian authorities and the EIB project management. The criteria taken into account relate to the site's strategic geographical situation, the region's dynamic development and prospects, and the opportunity offered by the development of the Industrial City.

1.5 Related programmes

The first Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Ministers of Transport, in which all Mediterranean countries took part, was held in Marrakech on 15 December 2005. The purpose of the conference was to encourage the implementation of an integrated Euro-Mediterranean transport system, which would contribute to the growth of trade between European Union and the Mediterranean partner countries and reinforce economic development of all the countries concerned.

It is in this context that the European Investment Bank decided to commission a study on the needs in terms of logistic platforms in the Mediterranean partner countries, and on the potential for creation of a network of platforms in the region named Medlog.

This study was based as far as possible on the results of earlier EuroMed studies, as well as on the MEDA research programmes. These earlier programmes supplied a very complete basis for reflection on logistic platforms. Obviously, some of the data had to be updated in the course of field studies, particularly the traffic volumes handled or information concerning decisions on major projects (infrastructure, legislation, etc.), and on the state of progress in reforms or projects already undertaken.

Substantial use was therefore made of the studies under the EuroMed Main Contract, RegMed, Destin, TEN-T, the work by the high level group on trans-European transport networks and their extensions, as well as the conclusions of the Blue Book presented in 2005 at the Marrakech conference.

The creation of the Medlog network aims to tighten the links between the Mediterranean countries and Europe and thus promote the Mediterranean as a trading area. At the moment,

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the network considered covers the following countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, Syria and Turkey.

Another aim of the network is to standardise logistics services throughout the Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs).

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2 OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED RESULTS

2.1 Objectives of the concerned project

2.1.1 Overall objectiveDevelopment of Mediterranean transport services with EU Member States and with neighbouring Mediterranean countries (Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon) and thus promote the Mediterranean as a trading area.

2.1.2 Specific objectiveChosen methods for identifying Euro-Mediterranean logistic platformsIn an earlier study phase, the selected methods used to identify areas of establishment of Euro-Mediterranean logistic platforms were based on several criteria such as: the location of the ports and traffic volumes, location of population, location of the industry, vicinity to transport routes and interior nodes, vicinity to airports, intermodal opportunities, available land and their costs.

In the case of Syria, the town of Hassia (or Hissyah) has been chosen for the Euro-Mediterranean Logistic Platform (EMLP). It is located at the intersection of central north-south and east-west road and rail axes which are favoured by the EU, ESCWA and the Arab League for their development potential. In addition, the proximity to the ports and the rail network has to be highlighted: Lattakia port is at a distance of 230 km and Tartus at 140 km. The latter forms part of the Motorways of the Sea (MOS) projects (line Tartus - Livorno) and the Tartus - Venice maritime line was launched in May 2010. The criteria taken into account relate, therefore, to the site's strategic geographical situation, the region's dynamic development and prospects, as well as the opportunity offered by the development of the Industrial City of Hassia.

Specific objective of the TA operationThe specific objective is the establishment of a viable project proposal for the creation of an EMLP in Hassia on a surface of approximately 62 hectares in a first phase, with the possibility to expand the platform to 82 hectares at a later stage.

2.2 Objectives of the required technical assistance

Provide Technical Assistance (TA) to the promoter for defining the project aiming at the creation of an EMLP in Hassia through the provision of consultant services from a technical, environmental, economic, financial and institutional point of view.

2.3 Results to be achieved by the Consultant

Among the five sites studied in the previous study phases, the choice for the creation of a short-term EMLP fell on the site of Hassia located on the route Aleppo - Homs - Damascus. The results to be achieved by the TA are the following:

1) Review and update of the socio-economic assessment prepared in December 2008 by CATRAM Consultants / Team International / Team Maroc.

2) Drafting of a preliminary technical project of the EMLP.

3) Preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed location.

4) Establishment of the economic and financial profitability of the proposed solution and of possible alternatives solutions.

5) Definition of the legal and institutional framework and the steps to follow for the realisation of the EMLP in Hassia.

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3 ASSUMPTIONS & RISKS

3.1 Assumptions underlying the TA operation intervention

The Consultant must coordinate this “logistical” project with other EuroMed projects such as road and railway infrastructure projects and the MOS. Therefore, he will have to carefully review the related previous studies on the topic and the underlying philosophy.

The actors and the concerned stakeholders (see par. 4.1.2) cooperate fully with the Consultant.

The timing set out in par. 5.2 and 7.1 is respected with regard to the mobilisation by the Consultant, the duration of the studies and, in particular, the validation of the various reports. This applies also to the sequence of the seminars / workshops, which are interlinked to the timing of the studies/reports.

3.2 Risks

The current financial and economic crisis creates uncertainties about the level of investments to be carried out within the framework of the EMLP with respect to planning and mobilisation of the necessary funds. This is likely to question certain (optimistic) conclusions of studies and of former assumptions.

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4 SCOPE OF THE WORK

4.1 General

4.1.1 Geographical area to be covered

Identified site3.Map 2: Layout of Hassia Industrial City

Source: Base map, Hassia Industrial City, Ministry of Local Authorities

The site of the logistic platform is located at the north-east end of the new Hassia Industrial City.

The location of the logistics platform within the Industrial City of Hassia seems not to present major difficulties with regard to Environmental Protection, neither during the construction phase, nor during the operation phase (to be checked within this study).

Advantages of the location of Hassia:

Hassia is situated midway between Aleppo and Damascus on the main North-South road and rail, close to Homs: the location seems ideal for distributing goods to the country's most densely populated regions while minimising long-distance journeys.

Hassia is situated close to an East-West or Mediterranean – Middle East route running from Tartus to Palmyra (see map 1) and then Iraq and Iran.

3 Source: "Logistic Needs in the Mediterranean Partner Countries: Phase 1, reports 2 & 7 Evaluation of the needs for logistic platforms in each MPC - Identification of the first candidate sites - Syria (Catram Consultants, Team International, Team Maroc) December 2007."

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The Industrial City project, which is in progress, will offer a range of infrastructure.

The Industrial City should provide accommodation for 70 000 inhabitants, and cover 2 500 hectares in the first phase. The second phase will increase the size of the city by 12 500 hectares and eventually it should have 350 000 inhabitants. The EMLP would thus serve a major industrial centre and urban area.

The EMLP can be supplied via the ports of Lattakia4 and Tartus.

4.1.2 Target groupsAt international level: the relevant actors within the MEDLOG network.

In Syria: Ministry of Transport, the local Authorities, the Syrian Railway Establishment (CFS), the Customs Authorities, the free zones Administration, the port Authorities of Lattakia and Tartus, the Union of Chambers of Commerce of Damascus, Aleppo, the International Chamber of Commerce and the Exporters Union.

At local level the target groups evolve around 3 main entities that can play an important role in achieving the platform in Hassia: National Authority, administrative promoter/ operator of EMLP, users of the EMLP - owners of concessions, i.e.:

• Ministries and public institutions and parastatals concerned;

• Transport companies, logistics operators and freight forwarders involved in or affected by the EMLP;

• Development Banks active in the transport sector in Syria.

4.2 Specific activities

4.2.1 Activities for obtaining result 1: Review of Socio-economic AssessmentBased on the outcome of the previous socio-economic assessment, the Consultant shall:

• review of the socio-economic assessment of the EMLP of Hassia and, if necessary, the update of the main findings of the previous studies, in particular in the context of the current economic crisis;

• review local regulations on transport, planning and environment;

• update the potential market in the area of economic activities and logistics of Hassia at the national level, particularly regarding retail commerce, the sector of light industry (textiles, car equipment, etc.), the service sector notably transport (sea, air, rail and road);

• describe the impact of Hassia's market potential on Syria's foreign trade;

• evaluate the institutional and regulatory framework prevailing in Syria in this sector;

• validate the location and the basic project scheme of the Hassia site, taking into account, among others, the importance of the geographical location of Syria in terms of transport, especially as a transit hub for the Region and its connections with the Euro-Med transport network.

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4.2.2 Activities for obtaining result 2: Preliminary Technical ProjectThe activities to be performed for the establishment of a Preliminary Technical Project include:

Summary of proposed scheme with alternatives.

Development of a master plan of the EMLP of Hassia with particular focus on the activities derived from the socio-economic assessment.

4 A motorway links Lattakia - Tartus with the Logistic Platform and is already under operation.

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Integration of the free zone and of the dry port proposed by the promoter of the Hassia Industrial Zone as well as the railway station and related platforms.

Norms and standards to be applied for constructing5 and operating the EMLP.

Assessment of the needs of Hassia EMLP in terms of infrastructure and environmental protection.

Techno-economic evaluation of various alternatives suggested and proposal of an optimal solution.

The Preliminary Technical Project results in the formulation of a master plan; drawings shall be recorded in DIN A3 format, accompanied by a descriptive note. The components of this presentation include (not exhaustive list):

- built-up area for storage facilities;

- service buildings including living centre and other services (bank, post office, training).

- other buildings (in particular for the maintenance of the infrastructure);

- roads and traffic flows within the EMLP;

- access roads to the rail and road network, including modifications to the existing networks;

- green space in and around the EMLP;

- parking areas and outdoor storage facilities;

- facilities for treatment of wastewater and rainwater;

- premises for the collection of waste.

The approximate scales of the drawings are as follows:

- overall master plan, external connections to the road and railway network: 1:2 000 to 1:10 000;

- internal roads, traffic, railway yards, parks, parking lots and storage: 1:500 to 1:2 000;

- schematic layout of buildings, major equipment etc. 1:100 to 1:500.

All plans will be recorded in a file format DIN A3 as described above.

4.2.3 Activities for obtaining result 3: Environmental Impact AssessmentDuring this phase the following will be conducted:

- Analysis of the regulatory framework in Syria for the implementation of the planned infrastructure, including health and safety on construction sites.

A brief analysis of the environmental impact of EMLP regarding water (quality, flow, processing, ...), land (use, changes, ...), air quality, phonic pollution, direct or indirect effects on the environment, housing, health, archaeological and cultural heritage (if any) etc. The Consultant shall distinguish between the environmental impacts of the construction phase of the EMLP and those of the operation phase.

- Analysis of exceptional risks linked to the waste generated and to transport / transfer of dangerous substances (risk of pollution of different components of the system: natural environment, air, soil, water etc.).

- Conclusions and recommendations, particularly as regards public consultation and detailed prospective studies on environmental protection and, if appropriate, the preparation of related Terms of Reference (TOR).

4.2.4 Activities for obtaining result 4: Economic and financial ProfitabilityDuring this phase the following will be conducted:

5 The infrastructure and superstructure, including equipment, shall conform to Syrian and European norms. Concerning issues in relation to energy consumption, the Consultant shall identify economic solutions, which are suitable to local environmental conditions.

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• The development of cost estimates based on quantities and unit rates applicable to the adopted technical solutions and work programme.

• The development of an economic and financial analysis of the proposed scenarii.

• The development of an implementation plan.

• The calculation of the profitability of the project (NPV, IRR, payback period of the investment, ...).

4.2.5 Activities for obtaining result 5: Institutional Framework and applicable ProceduresThis phase includes:

• Comparative analysis of different alternatives as regards the choice of the legal and institutional framework for the implementation of the proposed EMLP in Hassia (public institutional framework, a framework for public-private partnership, private institutional framework).

• Choosing the legal and institutional structure that should be put in place for the control and development of the EMLP of Hassia.

• Steps to be undertaken for the validation of the location and layout of the EMLP project in Hassia by the local authorities.

• Establishment of a multi-year Financing Plan for the realisation of planned infrastructure and superstructure with the following:

- land acquisition costs;

- study fees and fees for the supervision and the monitoring during the infrastructure implementation phase;

- cost of infrastructure, superstructure and connections with other means of transport;

- amounts for unforeseen technical and price fluctuations;

- operation costs, including interest during construction, until the start of the operational phase.

The financing plan is divided among the sources of potential funding, distinguishing between those in the public and in the private sector organisations.

• Operating framework of the EMLP and of the financial arrangements, taking into account the following:

- The status of the public entity responsible for managing the project, that is to say the Promoter.

- The legal framework of the activity: the concept of logistics platforms may be new and will, possibly, necessitate a new status (concession, lease, public service delegation, BOT or PPP).

- The role of the "Industrial City of Hassia" (Ministry of Local Administration & Environment).

- The scope and detail of the prerogatives of the customer contract such as conditions precedent, governing law, applicable permits and legal compliance, technical requirements, access to land, management and operating requirements, safety and environment, fire fighting, ownership of assets etc.

- The intervention of third party entities such as SZC, Syrian customs (rail, customs, etc.).

- The description of the role of transaction advisers and of their duties.

- The duration of leases (30 years seem to be the minimum for such activity).

- The main elements of the contract: objectives, performance criteria, entity involved, the steering committee, etc.

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• Terms of Reference for detailed technical and, possibly, environmental studies necessitated for realising the EMLP.

• Planning for the mobilisation/intervention of the different actors.

4.3 Management of TA Operation

4.3.1 Responsible bodyThe project management will be a collaboration between the FEMIP governing institutions and a local official which will be determined by the Ministry of Transport.

4.3.2 Management structureThe project manager of the study will be assured by the preparatory team of the future promoter of the project in Syria. The conduct of the study will benefit from the participation of the administrations concerned with the project (Ministry of Planning, Environment, Industry, Customs, local government agencies….).

As a direct contributor to the financing of the study, FEMIP will closely be involved in its implementation.

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5 LOGISTICS AND TIMING

5.1 Location of TA operations

Syria and headquarters of the Consultant.

5.2 Commencement date & Period of execution

Within 30 calendar days from the date of signing the TA contract: mobilisation of consultant staff in Syria.

The deadline for achieving the TA contract is 240 calendar days, including the mobilisation period of 30 days and the expected duration for the validation of the various stages of the studies (see para. 7.1 below).

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6 REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Personnel

6.1.1 General remarksEach member of the Consultant's team can at most occupy two key posts within the team, provided that this expect fulfils the requirements set out in paragraph 6.1.2.

The list of the members of the team is not exhaustive and the Consultant can propose, if necessary, to associate other members for the execution of the studies.

All the experts recruited must be independent and the responsibilities entrusted to them should not place them in a situation of conflict of interest.

The civil servants or any other person working in the public administration of the beneficiary country cannot be recruited as experts ("key" experts and "other" experts).

6.1.2 Key expertsAll experts who have a crucial role in the implementation of the contract and subject to the evaluation are referred to as key experts. The curriculum vitae of the key experts shall be approved by the Promoter (Ministry of Transport). They must have the following profile:

Key expert 1: Transport economist or with equivalent experience, Head of Mission

General professional experience: Work experience of at least 15 years in the field of transport.

Specific professional experience: 10 years of experience in the specific field, including 5 years as Head of Mission (Port construction and / or logistics platforms). The overseas experience is an advantage.

Language proficiency (minimum requirements): English: excellent (written and spoken); knowledge of the Arab language is an advantage.

Computer literacy (minimum requirements): MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project.

Key expert 2: Engineer specialist in transport infrastructure.

General professional experience: Work experience of at least 10 years in the field of transport infrastructure.

Specific professional experience: 5 years of experience in the specific field (infrastructure works for logistics platforms) or equivalent works in port infrastructure. The specific experience includes the connection to transport infrastructure (rail and road). The overseas experience is an advantage.

Language proficiency (minimum requirements): English: excellent (written and spoken); knowledge of the Arab language is an advantage.

Computer literacy (minimum requirements): MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project.

Key expert 3: Institutional Development Specialist.

General professional experience: Work experience of at least 12 years in the field of defining and operating logistics platforms or in the operation of ports with similar functions.

Specific professional experience: 10 years of experience in the specific field: institutional set-up and legal framework of running ports and the transfer/shipping of goods. The overseas experience is an advantage.

Language proficiency (minimum requirements): English: excellent (written and spoken); knowledge of the Arab language is an advantage.

Computer literacy (minimum requirements): MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project.

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Key expert 4: Specialist in Environmental Studies.

General professional experience: Work experience of at least 8 years in the field of the environmental assessment of transport infrastructure.

Specific professional experience: 5 years of experience in the specific field. Particular knowledge of the relevant EU Directives as well as the capability to analyse relevant national environmental laws will be essential. The overseas experience is an advantage.

Language proficiency (minimum requirements): English: excellent (written and spoken); knowledge of the Arab language is an advantage.

Computer literacy (minimum requirements): MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project.

6.1.3 Other expertsThe Curriculum Vitae of the other experts will not be considered before signing the contract. They do not need to accompany the bids.

The Consultant shall seek, where possible, to recruit local people with the skills required and to establish joint teams of international and local experts.

The other experts should have the following profile (the list is not exhaustive):

- Lawyer(s) for the application of Syrian building codes and regulations, environmental permits, laws and regulations concerning public-private partnerships.

- Technicians for the collection and analysis of data in the transport sector.

6.1.4 Support staff & backstoppingThe cost of support staff, including those from the headquarters of the Consultant, is included in the fees of the key experts.

6.2 Facilities to be provided by the Promoter

The Promoter will be responsible for:

• the provision of all consultant reports and data in its possession on the subject of creating an EMLP in Hassia as well as the latest studies prepared by EuroMed and maps approved by the Committee of Infrastructure and regularly reviewed;

• facilitating the introduction of the Consultant's personnel with other authorities or agencies involved in or affected by the project.

6.3 Facilities to be provided by the Consultant

The Consultant shall ensure that the experts are adequately supported and equipped. In particular he shall ensure that there is sufficient administrative, secretarial and interpreting provision to enable experts to concentrate on their primary responsibilities. He must also transfer funds necessary to support this activities under the contract and to ensure that his employees are paid regularly and in a timely fashion.

6.4 Equipment

No equipment is to be purchased on behalf of the Promoter as part of this service contract or transferred to the Promoter/beneficiary country at the end of this contract.

6.5 Incidental expenditure

No provision of incidental expenditure is foreseen in the framework of the contract.

6.6 Expenditure verification

Not applicable

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7 REPORTS

7.1 Reporting requirements

Report A: 1 inception report at the beginning of operations in Syria, that must be presented after two months from the date of signature of the contract.

Report B: 1 interim report after and no later than 120 calendar days of the beginning of studies in Syria, covering the topics to be addressed within the context of the results from 1 to 4.

Report C: 1 interim report after and no later than 150 calendar days of the start of studies in Syria, covering the topics to be addressed within the context of result 5.

Final Report: 1 final report incorporating reports B and C as well as commentary by the Promoter no later than 210 calendar days after the beginning of studies in Syria, provided that the comments of the Promoter were given within 30 calendar days from the receipt of reports A and B.

Synthesis Report: Summary Report of approximately 30 typed pages (with sketches) up to 30 days after the submission of the final report as well as the summary of the outcome of the workshops described hereafter.

The reports shall be presented and discussed in three workshops held in Damascus as follows:

The first one: after the submission of the inception report.

The second one: after the submission of the report B.

The third one: after the submission of the final report.

The reports must be available to the Promoter at latest 2 weeks before the start of the respective workshops.

7.2 Submission & approval of reports

All reports are to be submitted in English. The summary report will be delivered in English and Arab.

Reports B, C and the final report will contain an executive summary. Report B will also contain a summary of meetings and discussions within the framework of studies and people met.

The draft reports will be submitted electronically (1 CD ROM for the Promoter and 1 CD ROM for the EIB). The final report will be submitted electronically (5 CD ROM for the Promoter 2 CD ROM for the EIB) and on hard copy paper (5x Promoter, 2x EIB). The summary report will be submitted electronically (5 CD ROM for Promoter and 2 CD ROM for EIB) and on hard copy paper (10x promoter, 5xEIB).

Plans: 2 paper copies and 1 electronic copy in .dwg format to be delivered to the EIB and to the Promoter.

Reports B and C will be approved by the Promoter in consultation with the Bank not later than 30 calendar days after submission of the reports.

7.3 Visibility requirements

The technical assistance operation is financed under the Support Fund of the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP). To ensure the visibility of the FEMIP Support Fund, the following text shall be included in the reports:

« This technical assistance operation is financed under the FEMIP support Fund. The Fund uses grants awarded by the European Commission to support the investment activity that the EIB has in the Southern Mediterranean by assisting promoters during different stages of projects cycle. »

The following disclaimer should also be included:

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«The authors take full responsibility for the contents of this report. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the view of the European Investment Bank.»

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8 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

8.1 Definition of indicators

Result 1: Review and update of the socio-economic assessment.

Indicator:

The final report is validated by the Promoter and endorsed by the FEMIP Trust Fund Administration.

Result 2: Preliminary Technical Project of the EMLP.

Indicators:

The preliminary technical project is accepted by the Promoter and by the Industrial City in Hassia - Ministry of Local Administration & Environment.

Result 3: Environmental Impact Assessment.

Indicators:

- The environmental authorities approved the outcome of environmental impact issues.

- The project EMLP is ready to be submitted to public consultation. Or: the Terms of Reference for further environmental studies are available.

Result 4: The economic and financial profitability of the proposed solution and alternatives.

Indicators:

On the basis of well-defined socio-economic parameters the final report contains clear recommendations for the implementation of the project.

Result 5: The institutional framework and the way forward for achieving the EMLP.

Indicators:

- A blueprint of the project is accepted by the Promoter.

- The Terms of Reference to conduct additional studies, in particular concerning the transaction adviser(s), are available.

8.2 Special requirements

Not applicable

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9 ANNEXES

Consultants short-listed for the submission of an offer in the context of EMLP of Hassia will receive the following documents in electronic form (.pdf format):

a) A Euro-Mediterranean network of logistics platforms, Summary Report, Study financed by the FEMIP Trust Fund, English version, Catram Consultants, Team International - Team Maroc (May 2008).

b) Logistics Needs, Phase 2, Case Study in Syria, Catram Consultants, Team International - Team Maroc (December 2008).

The consultant awarded to the contract of TA will receive all the documentation prepared in connection with the studies on needs and logistics platforms in 2 phases prepared by Catram Consultants, Team International, Team Maroc.

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