Three Member States to support economic growth along the corridor
A clarion call has been made for the Trans Kalahari Corridor Three Member States to strengthen their its initiatives on supporting the economic growth of the three countries by supporting spatial development initiatives along the corridor.
The Executive Director for the Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat, Mr Leslie Mlungisi Mpofu said a lot has been achieved since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2003, however, more strategic issues still need to be attended to.
He said the 14th Joint Law Enforcement Operation is critical and a strategic proof that the MoU objectives have been given attention and it is now important to advance measures so that communities along the corridor can benefit.
Mpofu said the corridor connects intra and inter regional economic areas in a defined geographical sphere. He further said there are a number of perceived socio-economic development opportunities and benefits promoted by corridor development and these include but not limited to diversification of region’s industrial base, regional approach in mobilizing for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), corridors are direct ways to bring about regional integration, corridors promote regional integration and this is key in promoting growth prospects to developing countries, Corridors help to prioritize development of infrastructure to plug out the missing links in developing regions.
“Corridors provide an important connection between economic nodes or hubs therefore it is high time the Three Member States support the regional economic growth, increase the rate of economic growth and create employment, both formal and informal,” said Mpofu, who further emphasised the need to identify policies and strategies which will provide a sustainable basis for empowering local communities.
On behalf of the Republic of South Africa, Co-Chair Mr Segodi Mogotsi said, “We remain committed as a country tofor the vision of our forebears to connect and integrate the region. Trans Kalahari Corridor remains one of our torchbearers in the continent with its success seen in the growth of traffic volumes, and infrastructure investment along the corridor in the Three Member States.”
In her speech representing Botswana, Ms Masego Gertz said the 14th JLEO presents a platform for reaffirmation and recommitment to the enhancement of trade and also deepen socio economic integration.
She said the Three Member States have committed and pledged to eradicate poverty and place their countries on a path of sustainable growth. “We have not done enough in the past 20 years as our communities are still not benefiting economically, particularly SMMEs.”She called on the member states to ensure that communities along the TKC are the first to enjoy the benefits through business opportinitues and employment. She people should be able for find a living through the corridor.
From Namibia, Dr Cedric Limbo said the MoU is an important initiative as it is a step towards eliminating non-tariff barriers. “The global economy is still far from the ideal model of a barrier-free market and free from trade barriers as it was noted in the Doha Development Workake Programme of 2018. Although tariff barriers erected at the borders and within countries have been reduced considerably in the course of successive trade negotiations following the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules; there is an increase in the relative importance of non-tariff measures both as an instrument of protection and a means of regulatory trade,” he said.
Different key stakeholders from the Three Member States delivered presentations during the information sharing session which will continue tomorrow in Rustenburg. The session is part of a week long programme of the 14th Trans Kalahari Corridor Management Committee Joint Law Enforcement Operation. This year’s JLEO is held under the theme “United in Deepening Regional Integration and Growing Economies.”
—ENDS—
For more information and confirmations of Members of the Media who will attend the above scheduled events you are free to contact Mr Rebaone Moeng @ +27 845 66351 or rpmeong@gmail.com
Mr Rebaone Moeng is the Trans Kalahari Corridor National Committee Convener for Marketing and Communications.
Ankwetse Hunda – Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat – Marketing Communication and Business Development @ +264816250247 or marketing@tkcmc.com
Tshegofatso Maake – National Department of Transport – Communications @+27671371953 maaket@dot.gov.za
