EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In achieving the ambitions of the strategy, the intra-African tourism services market has been identified as an emerging source market that will, in the post-pandemic era, be key in the recovery and sustainability of the sector. The cost of travel strongly influences demand. Therefore, in order to be competitive, transport infrastructure as well as the mobility of travellers within the destination have to be key factors in the transformational agenda of the tourism sector. The tourism sector requires wellorganised terminals and planned schedules in road, rail, water and air as well as self-travel options that are safe and cost-effective.

Vehicle and Asset Financing

Commercial banks facilitate trade through motor vehicle and asset financing, movable assets, tractors, manufacturing plants etc as long as the asset is not a fixed building. The asset being procured is used as collateral hence easier for the borrower to access financing. This kind of financing unleashes potential to facilitate economic growth and creating capacity in the transport and logistics space. Commercial banks invest in opening up markets and support the cash-flow side of businesses.

Port Operations in Facilitating Transport and Logistics

The Namibian Ports Authority (NamPort) is an enabler for transportation and trade facilitation etc for regional economic development. Namibia has two (2) ports: Lüderitz and Walvis Bay. Walvis Bay is the bigger of the two (2) and has an annual capacity to handle 750’000 MT of cargo. A commercial container has recently been constructed in the south port and the Government of Namibia is looking at expanding port development and upgrade to the north port. Walvis Bay services various countries including Botswana, DR Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe (20 percent of the goods that are processed through Walvis Bay originate from or are destined for Zambia). The port of Lüderitz normally provides services to mining companies operating in the northern part of South Africa.

Benefits of Domesticating TTTFP Model Laws, Policies, Regulations and Standards in the Tripartite Region

The lack of an integrated and liberalised road transport challenges to road safety and durability. This session sought to discuss how to address the numerous obstacles to trade through the implementation of harmonised road transport policies, laws, regulations, systems and standards that affect drivers, loads, vehicles and road infrastructure in the Member States of the tripartite region. It also discussed and highlighted the development process and best ways to implement the harmonised transport policies, laws, regulations and standards for efficient crossborder transport and transit networks, transport and logistics services, systems and procedures.

Efficient Border Management in a Simplified Trade Regime

Recognising that trade is an important element contributing to the socioeconomic development of the nation (as a whole), Zambia (being a landlinked country, surrounded by eight (8) countries) has been striving to introduce and implement a sound border management system which is able to encourage infrastructure development, facilitation of the physical movement of goods and persons across and overcome current and emerging NonTariff Barriers (NTBs) at all the border cross points.