Government To Implement Intermodal Network For Transporting Cargo And Passengers

Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali has announced that the Government intends to implement an intermodal network that links road, rail, air, and marine for transporting cargo and passengers within and through Zambia.

Mr. Tayali has insisted that instead of seeing Zambia as landlocked, Zambians show see it as ‘land-linked’ and the abundant opportunities that this brings, if the nation improves it transport systems.

Speaking at the Meet and Greet the Industry breakfast held yesterday at Taj Pamodzi Hotel, the Minister stated that Zambia is well-placed to facilitate trade in the African Continental Free Trade Area. Zambia, he stated, is a Corridor for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

He further stated that Zambia is endowed with incredible investment prospects that drive and support developments in the various sectors of the economy.

“I am reliably informed that the upcoming Land-Linked Zambia Conference has already attracted active participation from the Ports of Beira and Nacala in Mozambique, Durban-South Africa, Walvis Bay-Namibia, Dar-es-salaam-Tanzania, all of whom have a Corridor that they serve that passes through Zambia,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that the conference and exhibition scheduled for December 2021 titled Land-Linked Zambia 2021 will underline the vital role Zambia plays in the global and regional commodity value chain and the movement and storage of goods.

He commended the Transport and Logistics industry players for showing commitment by being present at the event and organising it.

Mr. Tayali assured the stakeholders of the UPND Government’s support in providing strategic direction to accelerate development within and beyond borders and stated that the breakfast meeting is the beginning of a new era of co-operation among stakeholders.

“As the Minister responsible for transport and logistics, I am pleased to see such a representation of different stakeholders in the industry coming together to explore more affordable and reliable business opportunities,” he said at the end of the meeting.

The event attended by many transports and logistics stakeholders marked the official launch of the Land-Linked Zambia 2021 Exhibition scheduled for 2nd to 3rd December 2021.