https://devbusiness.un.org/content/econsult-market-assessment-logistics-sector-opportunities-afghanistan
Assignment Description SELECTION FOR CONSULTANTS BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Assignment Title: Market Assessment of the Logistics Sector Opportunities in Afghanistan Background: Afghanistan is the lowest ranked country on the WBs Logistical Performance Index (LPI), mainly due to security challenges, a fragmented market, poor quality of transport related infrastructure, post war economy revamp, cumbersome customs procedures, weak standards & regulations, lax implementation of existing trade agreements, non-state players. These will need multi angle interventions and may not be fully resolved in short term. LPI ranking is evident through (a) high costs the cost to import a container ranges from $2,400 to $4,200 between centers in Afghanistan and major economic centers/ seaports (from Karachi, Chahbahar ports) (b) loss of time 5.5 days (or more up to 11 days) delay while transporting and (c) high post-harvest losses (up to 40-60%) & defect rates (20- 40%) for agro products, Afghanistans top export items. Significant proportion of high value Export/Import (Exim) products (about 2/3rd of total) are agro products which need TCL facilities. Hence a mapping of the TCL value chain for each type of high value Exim product is required. This includes warehousing, transportation, business models, financing options, potential investment pipelines; electricity/power needs, gaps/substitute power (if any), etc. The main objectives: Better understand the dynamics of the TCL sector for high value Exim products Identify barriers limiting the expansion of these services and required interventions. Identify potential business models, partners and investment opportunities where IFC could participate as a financier. Preliminary Description of Tasks: The Consultant is expected to carry out the following activities: 1. Market overview of TCL sector including cold storage facilities, refrigerated road transport of perishable products as well as other related value-added services. This includes: identification of top players and users of TCL services for each of the top high value Exim product (3PL and captive); listing of the existing cold storage capacity in the country (third party and captive); evaluation of market trends and estimation of current market size for TCL services (volume and value) including captive and 3rd party; definition of typical logistics costs and outsourcing levels; estimation of the cost of TCL as a proportion of the value chain, including estimates of prevailing market price of cold storage and transport (differentiated by different levels of temperature). The products shortlisted which need some form of TCL and having highest potential are fresh fruits (grape, melon, pomegranate), dried fruits (figs, raisins), spices (saffron), medicinal crops (asafetida, Licorice). 2. Analysis of current EXIM cargo flows, Assess the cargo flow (with volumes) for each of high value EXIM products, following their value chains starting from fields to warehouses, transport hubs, Exim nodes used (land, air borders), the transport modes used including Exim transport modes and additionally the destinations of the products in other countries-focused mainly in Pakistan, India, and Middle east- Dubai etc. The analysis will also include the list of main traders, buyers in those countries and volumes/values that they are currently getting from the Afghanistan and future plans for the top buyers of Afghan products. 3. Identification of gaps / barriers (including regulation gaps) preventing the development of 3PL TCL services and that need to be addressed to develop a viable and bankable business model; Additionally, an understanding of the lack of reliable grid electricity supply with specific recommendations on interventions needed and solutions on sustainable off grid solutions and cost of such solutions 4. Demand and supply assessment, including identification of drivers for growth; development of services from existing and new players (including international development), considering current expansion plans; evaluation of entry barriers for new entrants; analysis of switching costs and ability of clients to switch providers; and assessment of existing government support programs; 5. Development of strategies / overall business models which could be followed for establishing new TCL logistics service operation including suggestions for services to be offered, assets to be used, private players to partner with, clients to be attracted, geographical area to be serviced and high-level roadmap or implementation in a phased manner. Assess if any nontraditional players such as e-logistics, technology platforms / technology enablers supporting the development of the sector, e.g. aggregator of demand/supply of high value products, Recommendations on high level estimates on capex and opex for the various viable investment options/strategies/business models. The mapping study will be customized specific to Afghanistan TCL requirements, such as Special focus on 0-10C TCL facilities, as export agro products and some fruits and vegetables grown locally (like potatoes and onions)- all require basic cold storage facilities and with simple refrigeration 0-10 C (and not the modern palletized facilities) where they can be stored in bulk and at low cost. A proper distinction between market potential for different types of TCL infrastructure depending on the nature of products and demand (eg affordability) will need to be made in the study. Identify if any products imported/exported need-10/-20 C TCL facilities currently/in future The existing secondary data/reports on the volumes, values etc. for each of the products identified may be limited/out of date. Adequate level of primary information gathering will be critical. Interviews, survey results and data collected from key private sector players & public sector stakeholders should be considered and cross verified with existing data sources. The end objective is to build a hybrid model to provide IFC best possible information on the current & future market dynamics for the TCL sector, leading to informed decision making for investment structuring.   CONSULTANT PROFILE The consultant will be a firm or a consortium of firms with a record of accomplishment in the logistics sector and extensive experience in the field of EXIM trade and logistics, Freight logistics, 3PL, TCL, including in Emerging and Developing Economies and fragile and post conflict economies. The consultant should have a demonstrated track record of advisory, analytical activities relevant to this assignment, including market assessments for logistics, Exim trade, industry research, supply and demand analysis, feasibility studies and conceptualization and development of business plans, investment recommendations. The consultants should also have demonstrated local experience, resources and contacts in Afghanistan and how the high value Exim products are moving within and to neighboring countries. Understanding, outreach and contacts with traders, large players in Afghanistan as well as India, Pakistan, Middle east where Afghan products are most traded is required. Finally, the consultant should also have good understanding & assessment of govt regulations, policies and their potential impact on the growth of TCL and 3PL in emerging markets, especially in Afghanistan and in other countries in the south east Asia/Middle east region. Consultants that do not meet this profile will not be considered. EXPERTISE REQUIRED FOR THE ASSIGNMENT: Minimum expertise desired: Team Leader- responsible for strategic direction, provide technical leadership, ensure the quality and cohesiveness of the deliverables and contribute lessons learned from relevant international projects and with more than 10 years of experience); Relevant Afghan and South Asia/Regional experience is highly desirable Logistics/Agro products Expert- including EXIM, 3PL, TCL expertise. assessment of EXIM cargo flows, demand and growth potentials; and experience working in developing countries, preferably in South East region and Afghanistan. Good connections with regional and local players in the space Economist- experience in demand modeling and economic analysis for logistics and Agro/TCL Exim cargo flow analysis. Experience in working in countries with low level of secondary research. Ability to develop hybrid models, using primary research to develop credible understanding of current and future demand is needed Research analysts/Technical experts with demonstrated sector research, diagnostic and market analysis experience, along with Afghanistan country specific policy and sector research FUNDING SOURCE The World Bank Group intends to finance the assignment / services described below under the following: World Bank INDIVIDUAL / FIRM PROFILE The consultant will be a firm. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS The World Bank Group now invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals). Please note that the total number of pages in the EoI should not exceed 75 pages. Consultants may associate with other international and local firms to enhance their qualifications. Interested firms are hereby invited to submit expressions of interest. Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through World Bank Group eConsultant2 (https://wbgeconsult2.worldbank.org/wbgec/index.html)   Qualification Criteria   1.  Provide information showing that they are qualified in the field of the assignment.  * 2.  Provide information on the technical and managerial capabilities of the firm.  * 3.  Provide information on their core business and years in business.  * 4.  Provide information on the qualifications of key staff.  * *- Mandatory   selection #  1273769   Electronic Submissions through World Bank Group eConsultant2 https://wbgeconsult2.worldbank.org/wbgec/index.html   This is an announcement from the World Bank's e-Consultant2 system. Please refer to  https://wbgeconsult2.worldbank.org/wbgec/index.html  for the official announcement as well as for any updates.   Market Assessment of the Logistics Sector Opportunities in Afghanistan Afghanistan Not cancelled Request for Expression of Interest Consulting Services- Firm Monday, April 19, 2021- 17:00 WB-P702365-03/21 BB- BANK BUDGET Trade General- Logistics Friday, March 26, 2021 English Friday, March 26, 2021- 07:41 World Bank