Zambia and Malawi have signed a bilateral relation agreement aimed at enhancing development on transport within the Nacala Corridor.
This is according to a joint communique on the bilateral transport meeting held between the two governments in Chipata this morning.
During the meeting, the two countries deliberated on modalities for operating the Chipata-Petauke to Serenje railway line linking to Malawi and the fifth freedom right for Malawi airlines which will allow Malawi Airline to be landing in Zambia and pick up passengers before connecting to Zimbabwe.
They also deliberated on the bilateral agreement for the Mwami One Stop Border Post whose works will start soon under the Nacala 4 Project, the Shire Zambezi Water Ways Project and other transport issues affecting both countries.
And addressing the media soon after the meeting, Zambian Minister of Transport and Communication, Brian Mushimba says the bilateral relations between Zambia and Malawi will enhance trade on the Nacala Corridor.
Mr. Mushimba added that government will use a new technology called standard gauge to construct the Chipata-Petauke to Serenje railway line at a cost of 2.3 Billion Kwacha.
He added that this will safeguard the roads because no heavy cargo will be moving on it as they will be using the rail line which will now be much faster with the new technology.
And Malawi Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie M’hango says the bilateral meeting was important for the two countries,
He assured the Zambian government that his country will also upgrade the railway lines in the country so that they move together with the development taking place in Zambia.