Entrepreneurs call for Mozambique – South Africa border to open 24 hours

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Entrepreneurs call for Mozambique – South Africa border to open 24 hours

1:45 CAT | 10 Feb 2022

File photo: Noticias

The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), the country’s largest employers’ association, is calling for Mozambique’s busiest land border crossing with South Africa to operate 24 hours a day.

The CTA says it has already taken steps with the Minister of Industry and Commerce and the High Commissioner of South Africa in Maputo, in order to intercede for the permanent extension of the Ressano Garcia operating schedule to 24 hours.

In a statement, the business association claims that the limitation of opening to daytime hours only constrains circulation between the two countries.

The objective is to solve the congestion caused by the increase in cross-border traffic destined for the Port of Maputo, located about 100 kilometres from South Africa, and which drains large amounts of ore from the country.

The CTA also wants 24-hour operation to include permission for trucks to circulate after 10:00 p.m., in order to ensure greater fluidity in the import/export flow.

“The constraints which have been reported lead to a reduction in the competitiveness of this important regional corridor,” the CTA warns in a document cited by Lusa.

According to the association, the High Commissioner of South Africa in Maputo has already responded to the plea, assuring that it will continue to work with the Government of Mozambique so that the Ressano Garcia border is always open, “in the context of improving bilateral cooperation and strengthening ties between the two countries”.

Currently, the Ressano Garcia border crossing is only open 24 hours a day during festive seasons such as year-end and Easter.

Source: Noticias