Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology has concluded in Bulawayo after adopting 75 key decisions aimed at accelerating regional integration and socio-economic development.
Chairperson of the meeting and South African Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, described the resolutions as a significant milestone as she officially closed the week-long meeting at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre on Friday.
The decisions, she said, were the product of days of intensive deliberations by ministers and technical experts and would provide a clear roadmap for advancing regional integration through improved transport, information and communication technologies, information services and meteorology.
“We have spent many dedicated hours allowing us to take the important decisions, 75 important decisions that we have taken this morning. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who served in our technical teams for the dedication that you showed during this week and for presenting us with very clear, very unambiguous decisions that have allowed us to take the decisions that are required in order to move forward with the important work we have to do of promoting regional integration and regional socio-economic development through the development of our network industries,” said Ms Creecy.
She commended Zimbabwe for successfully hosting the meeting, saying delegates had experienced exceptional hospitality and witnessed first-hand the spirit of regional solidarity.
“When I arrived at the airport, I was told that this is the city of kings and queens, and indeed the warmth and hospitality have made us feel that we too are kings and queens. We sincerely thank you for that warmth and generosity of spirit. During the time we have spent here, we have understood what regional solidarity means through the excellent example you have shown in hosting us,” said Minister Creecy.
Minister Creecy also thanked fellow ministers for the collegial manner in which they handled the meeting’s business, saying their commitment reflected a shared determination to tackle the region’s challenges.
She said the adopted decisions would strengthen efforts towards sustainable development, sustainable resource utilisation and the efficient movement of people, goods and services across the region.
“The work that we have handled has been undertaken in a spirit of collegiality and demonstrates the dedication that each and every one of you has, not only to your individual portfolios, but to the significant task that we face in overcoming the challenges within the SADC region and putting ourselves on a firm footing to address important issues of sustainable development, sustainable resource usage and the effective movement of people, goods and services so that we are able to achieve the objectives of the African Union. Here in the southern part of our continent, we are able to ensure that we too are contributing to the African Union’s Vision 2063,” she said.
The meeting brought together ministers responsible for transport, ICT, information and meteorology from SADC member states to review progress on regional integration programmes and adopt measures to improve connectivity, digital transformation, trade facilitation and climate resilience across Southern Africa.
