Zim dry port inaugurated
Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa says he and his nation are indebted to Namibia.
Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa inaugurated his country's dry port facility in Walvis Bay on Friday.
This formed part of his official state visit to Namibia.
Mnangagwa said the new facility will assist in the economic development of Zimbabwe, as well as further integrate SADC countries.
“We are indebted to the government and people of Namibia for granting us this rare gift of land to enable us to be part of Namibia's grand plan to make the Walvis Bay port a regional logistics hub in the SADC region,” Mnangagwa said.
“This has enabled our imports and exports from the United States and Europe to reach Zimbabwe, without having to take the Vasco da Gama route.
“This broad network, through this facility, offers Zimbabwe plenty of opportunities, options and access to vast markets and destinations.
“It will further deepen the prospects of our companies to increase trade within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area, by promoting intra-Africa trade.”
Mnangagwa added that Namibia and Zimbabwe should now work on improving the land connection between the two countries. “The biggest possibility for this is a railway line.”
In addition, Mnangagwa said this gesture shows the fraternal bond between Namibia and Zimbabwe, which formed an alliance many years ago.
“My wish is that those who will lead after us should continue to cherish, consolidate and deepen this relationship.”
This facility will not only serve Zimbabwe, but Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and possibly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Currently, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and the DRC are accessing markets through the Durban, Maputo, Beira or Cape Town ports, which are extremely congested. Mnangagwa urged officials to work tirelessly to ensure that people, businesses and investors alike realise the immediate benefits of the dry port facility.
Namport board director Nangula Hamunyela said “through this strategic partnership we are confident that the Zimbabwean dry port facility will become the ultimate one-stop shop solution provider of seamless logistics services, needed to facilitate the easy flow of goods to and from Zimbabwe via the Port of Walvis Bay”.
The construction of the dry port started on 31 March 2015 and was completed this year.
Leandrea Louw
This formed part of his official state visit to Namibia.
Mnangagwa said the new facility will assist in the economic development of Zimbabwe, as well as further integrate SADC countries.
“We are indebted to the government and people of Namibia for granting us this rare gift of land to enable us to be part of Namibia's grand plan to make the Walvis Bay port a regional logistics hub in the SADC region,” Mnangagwa said.
“This has enabled our imports and exports from the United States and Europe to reach Zimbabwe, without having to take the Vasco da Gama route.
“This broad network, through this facility, offers Zimbabwe plenty of opportunities, options and access to vast markets and destinations.
“It will further deepen the prospects of our companies to increase trade within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area, by promoting intra-Africa trade.”
Mnangagwa added that Namibia and Zimbabwe should now work on improving the land connection between the two countries. “The biggest possibility for this is a railway line.”
In addition, Mnangagwa said this gesture shows the fraternal bond between Namibia and Zimbabwe, which formed an alliance many years ago.
“My wish is that those who will lead after us should continue to cherish, consolidate and deepen this relationship.”
This facility will not only serve Zimbabwe, but Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and possibly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Currently, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and the DRC are accessing markets through the Durban, Maputo, Beira or Cape Town ports, which are extremely congested. Mnangagwa urged officials to work tirelessly to ensure that people, businesses and investors alike realise the immediate benefits of the dry port facility.
Namport board director Nangula Hamunyela said “through this strategic partnership we are confident that the Zimbabwean dry port facility will become the ultimate one-stop shop solution provider of seamless logistics services, needed to facilitate the easy flow of goods to and from Zimbabwe via the Port of Walvis Bay”.
The construction of the dry port started on 31 March 2015 and was completed this year.
Leandrea Louw
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