ZAMCARGO INTERNATIONAL SA is to diversify its portfolio from primarily road freight forwarding into Africa, to sea, air and rail clearing and forwarding for inbound and outbound traffic worldwide.
That's the word from newly-appointed m.d. Marius Venter who says the company will fully utilise its network of offices in the UK, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and South Africa to achieve its new objectives.
Outlining the background to recent developments at Zamcargo, Venter explained that privatisation of Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) and other state entities in Zambia had created new opportunities and challenges for companies like Zamcargo.
This company was targeted for privatisation by the Zambian government in 1995 and the process was completed in the first three months of 1997. Initially all resources have been utilised to clean up the administration and to introduce proper and efficient systems. The company has set itself several new goals: to achieve ISO 9002 certification by the end of 1997, to introduce new operational structures, and to establish a state-of-the-art information system.
A new flatter structure and chain of command, along with new operating systems are some of the changes which Venter believes will enable Zamcargo to take advantage of changes in the marketplace. We intend to put systems in place which will enable our clients to independently trace cargo by means of limited access to our computer system, he said.
