Shippers tune into cost benefits of WB corridors

Pressure on the margins of
importers and exporters
caused by the downturn in
commodity prices has worked
in favour of the Walvis Bay
Corridors, according to Walvis
Bay Corridor Group (WBCG)
chief executive officer Johny
Smith.
He says all links in the
logistics chain are looking at
reducing costs, including logistics
companies, road transporters and
global shipping lines.
They are responding to costcutting
pressure from importers
and exporters.
“Apart from being the obvious
choice in terms of time advantage
for European and Americas
cargoes, we have seen an increase
in trade volumes between Asia
and SADC markets via the Port of
Walvis Bay,” he says.
Smith is confident that volumes
will return. Trade will grow as
the African market becomes more
attractive for investors – and with
trade comes the need for stronger
logistics chains, he says.