Zimbabwe included in Sadc rail co-operation talk

ZIMBABWE'S National Railways and the Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway have been included in talks on rail co-operation between South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, allowing the copper-rich countries to increase exports through Durban.

Bulawayo is expected to house the Head Offices for the joint operations.

South Africa's Transnet Freight Rail hopes to finalise an agreement next month.

The deal will boost trade in southern Africa, allowing a more efficient and cost-effective movement of goods across borders.

Transnet, National Railways of Zimbabwe, Zambian Railways, Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC) and Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway have been negotiating the terms of the agreement since last year.

A joint operating centre will be formed with the task of finding alignment among the partners to articulate co-operation.

After the deal is signed, the joint operating centre will begin work immediately and develop co-ordinated traffic plans for the five operators.

It was not yet clear how much would need to be invested in infrastructure on the lines between Durban and Congo.

A similar programme started last August to improve trade on the Maputo corridor - between South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique - has yielded gains.

Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway had been invited to participate in the Transnet Freight Rail talks about the north-south corridor. The company had helped to achieve "great success" on the rail line to Maputo, he said.

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