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Developing Infrastructure for Trade. Hon. Dr. SC Ankama Deputy Minister: Works & Transport Republic of Namibia At the occasion of the 2 nd Africa Trade Forum. Introduction. O ccasion to cross-fertilize ideas and best practices for continental growth and development
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Developing Infrastructure for Trade Hon. Dr. SC Ankama Deputy Minister: Works & Transport Republic of Namibia At the occasion of the 2nd Africa Trade Forum
Introduction • Occasion to cross-fertilize ideas and best practices for continental growth and development • To share into the larger continental dream of prioritizing infrastructure development • Craft how transport sector can unlock and facilitate economic growth and development
Rationale We are confronted by: • High transportation costs • Inefficient transport systems • Policy challenges • Lack of human resources • Inadequate financial resources • Limited investment in infrastructure & maintenance • Poor access-international markets
Planning & Financing of infrastructure In most effort • Plan jointly • Finance jointly • Engage ppp • Develop common rules • Create adaptable procedures and standards
Challenges • Remote planning & isolationism • Infrastructure duplication • Lack of effective utility of infrastructure • Neighbour to neighbour opposite planning • Lack of expertise • Absence of proper continental (even regional) planning
Benefits from proper infrastructure development • Socio-economic boost • Enhancement of intra-trade • Transport costs reduction • Commodities costs reduction for the end-user • Adding value to local, regional and continental products
Benefits cont... • Transit-transport arrangements improve • Increased revenue collection • Deeper regional economic integration, • Reduced cost of doing business • Attracting foreign direct investment
Examples of cooperative strategy • Namibia and Botswana on the development of the Trans Kalahari Railway line • Botswana and Zambia on the construction of the Kazungula Bridge across the Zambezi River • Namibia’s investment in the Port of Walvis Bay - Atlantic West Coast of Africa with a view to providing an alternative gateway into and out of Southern Africa
The way forward We must aim to accelerate ideals of: • One Stop Border Post approach • Systems Connectivity and Electronic Data Interchange • Risk Management Policy Frameworks, Accreditation of Economic Operators/Preferred Trader Scheme, Single Window and Integrated Border Management
The way forward cont... • I urge us all to rise to the occasion and take advantage of global economic opportunities in the light of Public Private Partnership • Let us harness our political will, unity of purpose, and commitment for a better Africa. Thank you!