By: Steve Chirombo

Dedza, June 6, Mana: In a significant step towards enhancing regional integration and trade facilitation, the president of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, and the president of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, on Friday jointly officially commissioned the Dedza/Calomue One-Go Border Post (OGBP).

The World Bank funded US$9.6 million OGBP aims to streamline border clearance procedures, reduce transit times, and boost trade between Malawi and Mozambique.

Speaking at the event, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, said apart from celebrating the 50 years of existence between the two countries, the OGBP was another positive development for rejoicing.

"Mozambique and Malawi agreed that this should be named a ‘One Go’ not ‘One Stop’ post, and this goes to all borders across the country," he said

The president further thanked the World Bank and other partners for making it happen, adding that the facility will improve trade and investment.

"As we celebrate the 50 years of Mozambique and Malawi ties, we are happy to take our relations to higher levels and we want to celebrate this as a starting point of greater things to come, building from strong foundations that have already been laid," he added.

According to Chakwera, Malawi and Mozambique will continue to cooperate in many areas of co-existence for the prosperity of Africa.

The Mozambican President, in his corresponding remarks, expressed gratitude for the invitation, and he described the ceremony as historical.

"This One-Go Border Post shows the relationship between the two people. The 50 years are a lifetime achievement and we are here to confirm our relationship and improve the living conditions of our people," said Chapo.

He called on the African continent to improve its infrastructure so as to ensure free trade a reality, and to also boost economies.

"We are one people, we are brothers and sisters. Let's remove the barriers among our people because this is what they want. To more developments of One-Go so that our people can do rapid businesses," Chapo said.

World Bank, Country Manager, Firas Raad, said, apart from celebrating 50 years of existence between the two countries, the day marked a new beginning of fast trade as well as regional cooperation between the two countries.

"This improves the system, digitizes it, and also improves the waiting time. All this has been made possible through the good relations between Malawi and Mozambique," said Raad.