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| Business |
| Partners hail Nacala corridor initiative |
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by
Joseph Langa, 12 September 2002
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Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa have called for a fast implementation of the Nacala Development Corridor; an initiative they said will help to boost economic activities in southern Africa.
Transport minister Kaliyoma Phumisa said there was need to speed up the implementation of the corridor to provide stimulus and impetus to more economic integration and cooperation in the region.
“The corridor is intended to increase cross boarder trade, improve foreign direct investment and encourage local participation in our economic development,” said Phumisa in Lilongwe yesterday at a national stakeholders workshop intended to generate inputs from stakeholders on the draft paper on the format and content of the investors’ conference and the quality and quantum of Malawi corridor projects.
He said the initiative is an integrative process aimed at stimulating trade and investments in the areas.
Investments such as agro-industry, mining, tourism and other resource-based activities cannot thrive without adequate infrastructure systems, Phumisa said.
He said the corridor wants to develop adequate, cost effective efficient and reliable transport, telecommunications and energy systems, which will make it a competitive investment area in the region.
South Africa deputy high commissioner Lucas Mokwena said the corridor is part and parcel of Nepad which, when completed, will improve the economy of the countries that are part of the initiative.
“It’s something that is really big. It’s part of the poverty eradication programmes. This is the beginning of the dream that we have as a continent to take part in the development of the global economy,” he said.
Mokwena, whose country is funding the country’s secretariat for the corridor, said once completed the initiative will provide employment to 75 percent of the people along the corridor.
Mozambique High Commissioner Jorge de Souza Mateus said his government will continue working hard to make the corridor a uniform and viable development initiative for the partners, especially the people leaving along the corridor itself.
Zambian acting high commissioner Peter Akupela said once implemented, the corridor will give an opportunity to countries in the southern African region to tap the potential.
“The corridor will help to develop the livelihoods of people in the partner countries especially our people (Zambians) living along the corridor. Zambia will participate fully in the development of the corridor,” he said. |
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