Israel''s Minister of Finance has signed the ports user rates reform, which will eventually allow Haifa Port Company and Ashdod Port Company to be privatised.

A 20% stake in each company is to be made available and a draft prospectus will be submitted to the Israel Securities Authority.

In order to achieve a successful flotation, the government is collaborating closely with port workers. The scheme will create a system of incentives that will improve services and also make ports more competitive.