61

Within a regional context characterized by the leadership of the South African ports, Maputo is attempting to recover its hinterlands. After a long period of decline caused by the war, the port is once more a preferential maritime exit for the neighbouring countries, thus restoring Mozambique's seaboard function. Everything shows that Maputo is on the way to becoming the big port it was in 1970, despite the slow rehabilitation process. In any case, the success of the reconstruction of Mozambique largely depends on the result of the rehabilitation of its transportation infrastructures. Ports and corridors will undeniably play a key role in the development of the country. Their rehabilitation depends on the inward investments and the support of South Africa which is thus finding a way to establish its authority within the region.