Synchronised information communication technology systems between South Africa and Zimbabwe are crucial for both countries to be able to establish and operate an efficient one stop border post (OSBP) at Beitbridge.
This was the message from trade, transport and logistics consultant Francis Chirimuuta at an awareness meeting in Harare organised by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Industry and Commerce yesterday (Wednesday).
It follows news last week that the Zimbabwe and South African governments had stepped up efforts to fast-track longstanding plans for the operationalisation of the Beitbridge OSBP by appointing a Joint Technical Committee to develop the necessary legal framework for the project
Chirimuuta echoed concerns raised in emails to FTW Online by transport operators and agents based at the border post that harmonised systems would be key to the success of an OSBP.
"We will need a custom built facility that achieves a seamless flow for users and agency officers and a border management network where ICT and data sharing is established between the agencies of one country and also bilaterally between agencies of both countries,” he said.
