Germany boosts Namibia's quest to become international logistics hub

The implementation unit of Namibia's Logistics Master Plan received new support, following the latest negotiations between Namibia and Germany, according to Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), Logistics Hub Manager Clive Smith.

In an industry update received by Xinhua on Tuesday, Smith said the German government through its implementing agency Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Logistics Hub Project from the WBCG, partnered to implement the Logistics Hub Master Plan.

The National Logistics Master Plan, which is a component of the Transport Master Plan, aims to establish a development framework and strategies to make Namibia the regional logistics centre in the SADC Region.

According to Smith, the projects detailed operational plan with set focal areas will commence in 2017 and is set to contribute towards transforming Namibia into the logistics heart of the region.

GIZ Technical Advisor Michael Engelskirchen said that Namibia's roads are crucial to the tourism, mining and transport sector of the country and as such cater for a huge portion of its economic growth.

"The German Cooperation is actively supporting the country since its independence, we are happy to continue to be a part of the country's development," he added.

Meanwhile, through aligning their activities to agree on the division of tasks and support, the partnership has already taken its first step towards what will later become the full implementation of the Logistics Master Plan.

Furthermore, Engelskirchen said the development of marketing strategies to promote the country as the logistics hub for the region to attract customers and international investors is one of the pillars agreed upon with the Logistics Hub Project. Enditem