Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema says the country’s dry port at Walvis Bay has boosted trade and diversified Zambia’s market routes.
Namibia offered Zambia the dry port in 2008 for the benefit of the neighbouring country’s importers and exporters.
“Prior to this, Zambians used to move through South Africa and Dar es Salaam, but they were disrupted by the Portuguese and had to shift once more. As a result, the port is critical to the Zambian economy and enterprises. Let us use the port together, Namibian and Zambian enterprises and governments optimising its use so that it can improve the lives of both countries,” the Zambian leader said at the official opening of the Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAiTEX).
At the same occasion, President Hage Geingob said he believes the development of SADC economic corridors as a gateway to the region will be key towards regional economic integration.
“Economic development cannot take place in a vacuum and therefore we should use these platforms to foster a spirit of integration and cooperation. Through deeper integration and usage of infrastructure such as the Zambian dry port in Namibia, Namport terminals, as well as the Trans-Caprivi Highway inclusive of the Kazangula bridge and one stop border posts; cross-border and international imports and exports will flourish in our region and bring prosperity to our peoples,” President Geingob said.
“We in Namibia are pleased that SWAiTEX 2022 is providing the backdrop for yet another chapter in the Namibia-Zambia story.”
He said industrial development should be at the core of the region’s development integration agenda as it holds the key to the diversification of the member countries’ economies.
“Industrialisation will enable us to expand our productive capacity, which in turn, will help us make more efficient use of our natural resources, so that we are able to create more employment opportunities for our people. In turn, as our economies become more sustainable, inclusive and growth oriented, this will enable us to effectively tackle the scourge of poverty and hunger.”
Hichilema’s visit to the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Swakopmund event on Wednesday comes as the two countries recently sealed a deal to construct an oil and gas pipeline from Walvis Bay to Lusaka.
