Hub Forum hosted in Walvis

The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), in collaboration with Namport last week hosted the 2nd Namibia Logistics Hub Forum in Walvis Bay under the theme ‘Gearing Namibia’s Maritime Sector: Port and Shipping’. Stakeholders from both the private and public sector attended the Forum.

The Logistics Hub Forum is an initiative of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, with partners from the public and private sector, who amongst others include the Ministry of Works and Transport, as well as the National Planning Commission. The idea behind the Forum is to engage relevant stakeholders to have dialogue and share information about what is happening within the logistics/transport sector, including all the developments, in an effort to form the type of collaboration that will eventually lead towards the country’s vision of transforming into an International Logistics Hub.
At the Forum, Namport gave an overview of its operations while shedding light on what they are currently doing to ‘Gear the Port of Walvis Bay as a Gateway to SADC’. The company also gave an overview on the ‘Port automation and Port communication system’. Global carrier, Maersk Namibia discussed liner shipping trends.
Going forward, the Forum will host monthly discussions covering various topics related to the logistics and transport sector. Credible speakers on transport and logistics related themes of national relevance will be invited to present their perspective on specific disciplines within this sector. Forum discussions are scheduled to take place in different towns in Namibia and every time we will have a different theme.
Clive Smith, the Project Manager for the Logistics Hub said, “as an industry, it is critical that we not only plan properly, but also execute this vision together. The key stakeholders cannot operate in isolation, we need to align our efforts. This is the reason for the forums. They create a platform where all the role players in both the public and private sectors can share their plans, actions and discuss possible solutions going forward. Best practices will also be presented at the forums, where industry players will get a glimpse into how other countries and companies have managed to move on to the next level.”
Added Smith, “the purpose of the Logistics Hub Forum is for the industry to communicate with and support each other to ensure that Namibia develops into the envisioned Logistics Hub for the region.” Clive Smith, the Project Manager for the Logistics Hub said.