The opening of new corridors in southern Africa is helping to facilitate intra-regional trade. Allison Pinheiro, regional sales and business development manager at Bester Clearing and Forwarding, believes that while there are still many challenges, there are efforts across the board to address delays. “Each port in the region has its own pros and cons and these can change suddenly throughout the year.” She said her company believed that by maintaining a presence in the various ports and border posts they were able to address challenges head on. “A flexible and adaptable approach is needed as many of the challenges are beyond our control.” Pinheiro said the company’s hands-on approach allowed them to quickly find the best solutions to problems experienced along any corridor at any given time. She said in 2019 they had expanded their services in Zambia and had also opened offices in Zimbabwe. “In 2020 we are looking at firming up agreements with partners in Walvis Bay in Namibia, Beira in Mozambique and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.” Pinheiro said the company’s approach was to not always accept the status quo but to challenge itself to come up with solutions that made sense for customers and their needs. “This includes looking at different corridors and keeping abreast of changes in the region that may affect the use of these corridors.”
INSERT: In 2020 we are looking at firming up agreements with partners in Walvis Bay, Beira and Dar es Salaam. – Allison Pinheiro