Intra-regional trade on the increase

The outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – at the time of writing 69 people had died from the disease but it had been contained – has affected trade to the country, said DRC-based Nik International Logistics’ Christiaan Tshiabuta. “Although the DRC outbreak was quickly contained, most transporters have ceased operations from South Africa and other neighbouring countries, resulting in major business setbacks,” he said. However, despite the crisis around the outbreak, which has caused a short-term setback, Tshiabuta said intra-trade with neighbouring countries was increasing. “75% of commodities imported into the DRC pass through Tanzania, which offers a natural intra-trade opportunity for us,” he noted, adding that as a result there was strong demand for Congolesebased companies to facilitate the free movement of goods. “The regional trade facilitation bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have stepped up their efforts with intra-trade facilitation and work hard to ensure stability for the region, which also boosts trade,” said Tshiabuta. He told FTW that one of the biggest obstacles to intra-trade – infrastructure – was slowly being addressed. “Even the network and systems problems, which cause frustrating delays at border posts, are being addressed and I am positive that soon trade will move through the region, and the DRC in particular, much faster.” INSERT & CAPTION 75% of commodities imported into the DRC pass through Tanzania, which offers a natural intra-trade opportunity for us. – Christiaan Tshiabuta CAPTION The populous city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania offers strong opportunities for intra-trade with the DRC.