Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana High Commissioner to Namibia, Mr Phemelo Rankoro has highlighted the importance of the Walvis Bay Dry Port saying ensuring its full utilisation was his office top priority.
In an interview on the sideines of the Trans Kalahari Corridor cycling tour, Mr Rankoro mentioned that the port was open for use by Botswana’s exporting and importing businesses.
He encouraged Batswana in business to leverage the port for exporting goods to European and US markets, as well as for importing goods into Botswana.
Mr Rankoro emphasised that using the dry port would lead to full utilisation of the Trans Kalahari Railway.
He said SeaRail PTY LTD, a subsidiary of Botswana Railways managing the facility on behalf of the government, played a crucial role in the process.
By making use of the port, businesses can enhance their operations through the Trans Kalahari
Corridor, ultimately contributing to increased revenue for the country.
Highlighting the economic benefits of the corridor, Mr Rankoro urged Batswana to take advantage of the dry port.
His office in Windhoek is prepared to provide further assistance and clarification regarding the utilization of the port.
Despite acknowledging some usage by Batswana, Mr Rankoro expressed concerns about the underutilisation of the port and emphasised the need to raise awareness about its potential.
Efforts have been made to promote the dry port, including presentations by SeaRail management at a heads of mission conference in Gaborone.
Therefore, the High commissioner has encouraged exporters and importers from countries with Botswana envoys to consider using the dry port for their business activities in Southern Africa.
To further promote the port, he mentioned that his office, in collaboration with TKC, has organised roadshows and marketing campaigns targeting Batswana to showcase the benefits of full utilisation.
A recent roadshow in Swakopmond aimed to attract holidaymakers and potential users of the port.
“We achieved positive outcomes from the road show, engaging with interested individuals, some of whom were particularly interested in the transportation of fish out of Walvis Bay,” he stated.
He mentioned that they aimed to conduct more road shows with TKC and involve the media to increase awareness in Namibia and Botswana, educating people about the dry port and the corridor.
Mr Rankoro emphasised that Namibia was a strategic business partner for Botswana due to their close cultural, historical, and economic ties, highlighting the importance of supporting each other in business endeavours.
Apart from promoting the use of the dry port, Mr Rankoro expressed interest in showcasing Batswana culture and way of life to the Namibian audience.
Moreover, he mentioned that the Botswana Embassy in Namibia was planning grand Independence Celebrations on September 30, including an exhibition to showcase Botswana culture.
“We aim to incorporate activities that blend with the Independence celebrations, budget permitting,” he said.
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