Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
ZIMBABWE and Mozambique have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on border management and transport infrastructure, with senior Government officials from the two countries meeting in Beira to map out strategies aimed at improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the strategic Beira Corridor.
The two-day Joint Border Committee (JBC) meeting was officially opened on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe.
The meeting has brought together senior Government officials from Zimbabwe and Mozambique to deliberate on measures to improve border management, enhance regional connectivity and facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people between the neighbouring countries.
In her opening remarks, Eng Makumbe described the Beira Corridor as a strategic economic lifeline for Zimbabwe and the wider Southern African region, saying it plays a pivotal role in promoting trade, tourism and investment.
She called for stronger collaboration between the two countries to improve border efficiency, harmonise operational procedures and accelerate infrastructure development to support regional economic integration.
Eng Makumbe said modern, efficient and secure border systems were critical to enhancing regional competitiveness and unlocking new economic opportunities.
She highlighted Zimbabwe’s ongoing border modernisation programme, citing the planned upgrading of Forbes Border Post through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as one of Government’s flagship infrastructure projects designed to reduce delays, improve service delivery and facilitate trade.
The Permanent Secretary said the initiative reflects Government’s commitment to developing world-class border facilities capable of supporting increased regional and international trade.
Delegates are expected to use the meeting to identify practical solutions to operational challenges affecting the corridor, strengthen institutional cooperation and agree on measures to improve the efficiency, safety and competitiveness of transport corridors linking Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
The Joint Border Committee is also expected to reinforce the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries while advancing regional integration through improved transport infrastructure, efficient border management and enhanced trade facilitation.
Online Reporter