By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA-
THE Mozambican Government will promote the use of Nacala Port by providing business-friendly incentives and ease the transit time to enhance efficiency.
Mozambican High Commissioner to Zambia Jeronimo Chivavi said Zambian companies would enjoy one month free storage facility at the port and quick online clearance of imports and exports in measures intended to enhance the use of regional trade facilities on the Nacala Corridor.
Speaking during the familirisation tour of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM)’s Nchanga mine, Mr Chivavi said his government was serious and excited about the project.
“Among the incentives my Government plans to introduce are a one month free storage facility, competitive rates and introducing electronic processing for all documentation to promote efficiency at the port,” he said.
Mr Chivavi said the use of Nacala Port could also ease congestion at Chirundu border post, the gateway to the Durban port in South Africa.
Mozambique plans major upgrades and expansions to Nacala, which is the deepest port on Africa’s east coast and serves as the terminal for the Nacala Railways.
In a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Chivavi appealed to KCM to take advantage of the Nacala Port by exporting copper, saying it would provide competitive freight rates for the exports and imports and a shorter route to overseas markets.
Using the Nacala Port would entail transporting copper by road to Chipata before onward transportation on the Chipata-Mchinji railway line to the port via Nacala Railways, which links Malawi and Mozambique.
Mr Chivavi said it was impressive that KCM’s export network comprised using Zambia Railways to Kapiri Mposhi, where copper is loaded on Tazara wagons for transportation to Dar-eS-Salaam, which has helped to reduce congestion on roads.
He commended ZRL for  its tireless efforts to revive the railway sector in Zambia, saying this would help sustain the roads that are being constructed by the government under the link Zambia 8,000 kilometres road construction and rehabilitation programme.
KCM general manager for marketing and commercial Somnath Gosh said the company would explore the use of Nacala Port.
Mr Gosh appealed to the Mozambican High Commissioner to ensure that his government attracted more ships to both Nacala and Beira ports.