JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) on Friday expressed concern over the post-election violence in Mozambique which they said is affecting business in the region.
"The instability in Mozambique is affecting trade in South Africa and the region as demonstrators destroy property and clog the movement of people and trucks," said the SAAFF in a statement, noting that the temporary closure of the Lebombo border has intensified the crisis.
The economic impact of this situation is long-term and extends beyond Mozambique to all other countries in the Southern African Development Community region, especially South Africa and Zimbabwe, as halted trade raises the risk of economic setbacks, said the SAAFF.
The recent protests have added much pressure on the Maputo Corridor, which has been playing a pivotal role in regional and international trade, the association said.
"It will take time for traffic to and from the Port of Maputo to stabilize and restore to previous volumes. The loss of important infrastructure servicing trade and transport on the corridor will be felt for many months and even years," said the SAAFF.
The SAAFF called on the Southern African Development Community to take action, adding that many essential jobs are now at risk, and small and medium businesses will limp forward into an uncertain future after this "troubled, disruptive period."
