The document discusses transport harmonization in commercial transport corridors in Zimbabwe. It outlines the major rail and road corridors in Zimbabwe that connect it to neighboring countries. Recent developments include construction of a new bridge at Kazungula and upgrades to rail infrastructure funded through government initiatives. Zimbabwe provides incentives for investors in rail. Corridors are managed by both public and private rail entities through corridor management groups. Cooperation with neighboring countries involves planning train services, setting performance standards, and participating in industry forums to further harmonize operations. Challenges include poor infrastructure, aging equipment, and an unfavorable investment climate, but opportunities exist through developing the North-South Corridor and mineral resources potential.

1. Transport harmonization in commercial transport in the SADC-Region Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, September 18-21, 2006 Presented by Bernard Dzawanda Executive Director-Southern African Railways Association Harare, Zimbabwe SOUTHERN AFRICAN RAILWAYS ASSOCIATION

3. SARA RAILWAYS

4. Transport Harmonization in Commercial Transport in the SADC Region Corridor development in Zimbabwe 3. Recent developments:2005 / 2006 Infrastructure: 3.1.1 Road - Agreement to construct a bridge at Kazungula Bridge. -Short-term strengthening of Victoria Falls Bridge. -Toll gates for major highways under construction. 3.1.2 Rail -NRZ bought US$10.5 m worth of rail for upgrading part of its network. -Central Bank funding (PLARP) for infrastructure & equipment. 3.2 Incentives for investors -Duty exemption on imported rail equipment and spares. -Discounted tariffs and priority service for investors in rolling stock. -Tax holiday on operations -Export Processing Zone (EPZ) status. 3.3 Public Private Partnership (PPP) -Encouraged by Government (guidelines in place) -NRZ/NLPI- both investment and operations -Revenue collected in forex

5. Transport Harmonization in Commercial Transport in the SADC Region Corridor development in Zimbabwe 4. Management of Corridors 4.1 Management -Railway corridors managed by railways themslelves through CMGs -Some railways are Publicly owned e.g. Spoornet, NRZ, BR, SR, CFM and others are privately owned e.g BBR, RSZ, CCFB -NRZ & BBR manage the railway corridors in Zimbabwe. 4.2 Services -Freight services for Transit, Export & Import traffic -Passengers services (tourist/safari trains)-NRZ and tour operators -Passenger services (ordinary)-NRZ and BR. -Significant improvement in tonnage & quality of service (transit times)

6. Transport Harmonization in Commercial Transport in the SADC Region Corridor development in Zimbabwe 5. Cooperation with neighbouring corridors: 5.1 Networking/Planning - Joint train service planning/timetabling -performance standards/indicators-benchmarks -Joint marketing -Corridor Management Groups (CMGs). 5.2 Harmonization - Documentation -Equipment inspection & maintenance standards -Operating procedures for through working -Safety 5.3 Forums -SARA -Bilateral Agreements between railways -SADC -SADC Business Forum -UAR/UIC

7. Transport Harmonization in Commercial Transport in the SADC Region Corridor development in Zimbabwe 6. Challenges and Prospectives 6.1 SWOT Analysis 6.1.1 Weaknesses: -Poor condition of infrastructure (railway track, signals, roads etc) -Ageing equipment -Unfavourable investment climate (price contols, forex & fuel etc) -Declining national output. 6.1.2 Strengths: -Central geographical location -Existence of direct rail links to neighbouring countries -Bilateral agreements and SARA. -Active participation by private sector. 6.1.3 Opportunities: -North South Corridor under SADC-to benefit from Cooperating Partners -SARA promotes corridors in terms of operations & investment. -Mineral resources potential