‘Efficient logistics will drive global competitiveness’

EFFICIENT LOGISTICS and trade facilitation initiatives will be key drivers in the region’s global competitiveness and wealth creation. That was the message that came through loud and clear at last week’s ‘Bridges across Borders’ conference in Pretoria which examined the challenges affecting growth and development of services in the SADC region, focusing among other sectors on transport and logistics. The development of corridor infrastructure is integral to the attainment of regional objectives, acting chief director infrastructure and services of the SADC, Remmy Makumbe told delegates. “Transport and trade facilitation needs to focus on quick transit and cross-border movement, which involves harmonisation of transport instruments like road user charges and vehicle dimensions,” he said. At a recent SADC heads of state summit, member states recognised the importance of infrastructure for global trade competitiveness, said Makumbe. “They recommended a regional development fund to finance infrastructure projects, with the SADC ultimately implementing an Infrastructure Master Plan to support migration to an FTA in 2008, Customs Union in 2010 and Common Market in 2015,” he said. But among the critical success factors was the need to balance simplification of clearance procedures and revenue collection, he said. “Public private partnerships are key. We need to focus on a total seamless approach in terms of ports, overland transport, borders and inland clearance.”