WINDHOEK, (Xinhua) – Namibia and Botswana on Saturday launched the 24-hour operation at the Trans-Kalahari/Mamuno border crossings, in a bid to boost trade between the two countries.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Namibia’s Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Albert Kawana, highlighted the benefits of the new policy for the business community, saying it would eliminate the need for truckers to sleep at border crossings, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services to consumers.
The Trans-Kalahari Corridor is a crucial route for trade between the two countries, and the launch of the 24-hour operation is expected to increase volumes using the corridor, Kawana said, calling for better coordination among stakeholders involved in the operation of the border posts.
Kawana stressed the need for a transparent operation, saying trucks should be cleared promptly upon arrival, regardless of the time of day they arrive.
In February, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding allowing nationals of both countries to use national identity cards for cross-border travel between the two countries.
Translation LogisT-Africa
