The Secretary for Transport in Malawi, David Mzandu, has highlighted the need for increasing exports over imports to benefit from the Nacala Corridor development. The recent Tripartite Meeting underscored ongoing projects and collaboration among stakeholders from Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, focusing on regional trade integration and cost reduction. The corridor is funded by the World Bank and is set for completion by 2027.
The Secretary for Transport and Public Works of Malawi, David Mzandu, has underscored the necessity of increasing exports to surpass imports, thereby maximizing the benefits derived from the Nacala Corridor’s development. His remarks came during the 9th Tripartite Meeting of the Nacala Development Corridor Management Committee in Lilongwe, where he emphasized the meeting’s importance in assessing ongoing projects and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Mzandu noted, “The corridor management is still in its infancy, and there is much work to be done. One key impact will be the reduction in cargo landing costs.” He explained that currently, a significant portion of Malawi’s cargo is transported by road from Beira and Dar es Salaam. The full realization of the Nacala Corridor is expected to substantially lower these costs.
The meeting convened critical stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, to discuss advancements and exchange insights. The primary objective of the project is to decrease transportation expenses and boost regional trade integration among the participating countries.
Ambrósio Adolfo Sitoe, Permanent Secretary for Mozambique’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics, remarked that the corridor’s development would open avenues for managing existing and future cargo, which currently faces limitations due to inadequate facilities. He highlighted the initiative as a vital opportunity for economic growth and enhanced regional cooperation.
Funded by the World Bank, the Nacala Corridor development is part of the Southern Africa Trade Connectivity Project (SATCP). Launched in 2021, it is projected to conclude in 2027.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Transport of Malawi has emphasized the importance of enhancing export capacities to support the Nacala Corridor’s development. The ongoing collaborative efforts among Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia aim to optimize transport costs and improve trade dynamics in the region. Overall, the Nacala Corridor project represents a major opportunity for economic development and regional integration.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
