Walvis corridor sells 'best practice' alternative

Changing the minds of decision-makers – mostly based in Gauteng – is not easy, but there’s a growing realisation of the benefits an alternative port and trade corridor bring. “Gauteng shippers are used to doing business the way they always have and change is not always perceived as a positive but more as a threat,” says Siobhan Fox, business development manager South Africa for the Walvis Bay Corridor Group. But it is a growing market, times are changing and a new approach is looming. “There are many opportunities to take advantage of in the market,” says Fox. “Buying and selling influences are constantly looking at best practice, efficient supply chain solutions and alternative gateways into the Southern African Development Community (SADC).” She says now is the time for decision-makers to consider alternative trade routes, corridors and ports. “And our core focus is to present Walvis Bay not only as an alternative but to show that it is a viable option that can benefit business in Gauteng,” she explains. Established in 2000 to increase cargo for ports and corridors linked to it, and to engage in the facilitation of corridor and infrastructure development, WBCG has worked tirelessly to market the Namibian option. It offers an integrated system of well-maintained tarred roads and rail networks – accommodating all modes of transport – from the Port of Walvis Bay via the Trans-Kalahari, Trans-Caprivi, Trans-Cunene and Trans-Oranje Corridors, providing landlocked SADC countries access to the global market. But it is the current port developments at the Port of Walvis Bay that have grabbed the attention of Gauteng. “Namibia is busy developing itself as a logistics hub for southern Africa and business decision-makers in Gauteng should explore this option for the Gauteng region and the rest of the SADC region. We believe that in terms of heavy traffic flow, extended transit time and congestion, an alternative route and port are definitely an option.” INSERT & CAPTION Gauteng is used to doing business the way they always have in the past and change is often perceived as a threat. – Siobhan Fox