‘Walvis Bay needs more buy-in from service providers’

There are ample opportunities to improve frameworks and conditions for cross-border trade in southern Africa, according to Bisey Uirab, chairman of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group. “International customers and investors have the choice between regional and global options and request a first class service package,” he said. “This is clearly being addressed by the TransKalahari Corridor Management Committee.” He said in the development of the Walvis Bay Corridors as an alternative trade route through the Port of Walvis Bay it was clear that efficiencies had increased. “Capacity remains our greatest challenge along our three corridors. We require more service providers in the transport and logistics industry and we therefore request service providers from across southern Africa to look west to Walvis Bay in an effort to establish if they can assist in providing these services.” Uirab said there was no doubt that the optimisation of the TransKalahari Corridor would benefit importers and exporters in Gauteng not only because it saved time but also because of the positive impact on reducing the transport costs in southern Africa.