DAR ES SALAAM, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Saturday signed an agreement to develop dry ports in both countries, in a move aimed at strengthening regional trade ties.

The agreement, signed in Lubumbashi, DRC, stipulates that each country will provide land for the establishment of dry port facilities to enhance cargo handling and logistics efficiency.

Permanent Secretary in Tanzania's Ministry of Transport Godius Kahyarara said the initiative follows a 180 percent surge in cargo volumes destined for the DRC via the Dar es Salaam port over the past four years.

He hailed the agreement as a major milestone in the implementation of the 2022 bilateral infrastructure development pact between the two countries.

Under the deal, Tanzania will receive land for dry ports in Kasumbalesa, Kasenga, and Kalemie in the DRC. In return, the DRC will be allocated land for dry port development in Kwala and Katosho in Tanzania.

Kahyarara said that the dry port project, which will be implemented under a public-private partnership model, is expected to be completed within 18 months. ■