THE authorities in Zimbabwe are planning to set up a new air cargo hub at Harare International Airport to facilitate the transportation of exports to the world market, the People's Daily Online reported.
Zimbabwe Industry and Trade Minister Obert Mpofu said the facility would help the country to earn foreign currency from cargo hub fees. The facility at the airport will handle cargo to and from regional and international countries, which would enable nations to consolidate their goods before they are exported.
Mr Mpofu said the government would also establish a national cargo carrier as the absence has negatively affected the country's exports, particularly horticultural produce and other perishables.
"The absence of a national cargo carrier has serious transport cost implications and this is compounded by the fact that Zimbabwe is landlocked," the government official said.
Preparations for the building of the hub are already underway, and funding for the project is expected to come from the government under the National Export Strategy.
Mr Mpofu added the country's much-needed foreign currency would come through landing fees for large aircraft from Asia, Europe and other regions. The nation will also be able to earn from service fees from the consolidation and the re-packaging of freight cargo from countries in the region countries before overseas export, the report explained.
Asian Shipper News
Login
