By Thom Ali

Lilongwe, March 18, Mana: Secretary for Ministry of Transport and Public works Eng. David Mzandu, has underscored the strategic significance of the Nacala Development Corridor to the Republics of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, noting it is crucial for facilitating trade, enhancing transport connectivity, and fostering the socio-economic development for the three member states.

Mzandu made the statement on Monday during the final session of the 9th Tripartite Meeting of the Nacala Development Corridor Management Committee (NDCMC) in Lilongwe.

He said it is incumbent upon each member state, both individually and collectively, to sustain the momentum in implementing comprehensive interventions, encompassing both infrastructural and regulatory enhancement, and to elevate the operational efficiency of the Nacala Development Corridor.

"We must harness the numerous agreement that have already been ratified, the harmonized regulations and standards established across various sectors, and the institutional mechanisms put in place to promote trade facilitation and deepen regional integration through this strategic Corridor," Mzandu said.

Mzandu further commended the Mozambican government for its positive gesture in granting land for dry ports to Malawi and Zambia at the Port of Nacala.

Permanent Secretary for Mozambique's Ministry of Transport and Logistics Ambr'osio Adolfo Sitoe pledged his government’s commitment towards the advancement of the Nacala Development Corridor.

Sitoe added that through the NDCMC session, the Mozambique delegation has had the opportunity to exchange ideas and align strategies with the Malawi and Zambia delegation on matters of improving the facilitation of trade between the three Nations.

He further commended the World Bank, through Southern Africa Trade Connectivity Projects (SATCP) for their unwavering technical and financial support in the development of the Nacala corridor.

Zambia's Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Fedrick Mwalusaka said the Nacala Development Corridor will among others scale up efficiency in cross border services.

He added that the Zambian government is geared in promoting regional integration for the benefit of both Nations.