EU, Malawi discuss political, economic situation
The European Union (EU) and Malawi Government representatives met yesterday in Lilongwe and discussed several issues of mutual benefit, including the political and economic situation as well as investment, agriculture, mining and tourism.
A joint statement issued by the EU and Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the end of the first 2024 Partnership Dialogue under the theme ‘Investment and private sector-led growth’ said the two sides also dialogued on investment and production environment in Malawi that extended to issues relating to infrastructure, energy, access to finance and tax regime.
The Malawi Government was represented by several Cabinet ministers led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo.
On the other hand, the EU delegation was led by the EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach. He was accompanied by ambassadors of Ireland, Germany and Belgium as well as deputy ambassadors of other EU countries.
The statement quoted Skinnebach as having said Malawi holds considerable potential despite facing a series of challenges adding that the EU is keen to partner with Malawi in realising the potential.
In her remarks, Tembo said the theme of the dialogue was in line with the government’s strategy to accelerate economic development through the promotion of agriculture, tourism and mining.
She reiterated her plea to the EU to consider Malawi on the African transport corridors under the EU Global Gateway as one way of reducing transport costs and making Malawian products more competitive on the global market.
Other Cabinet ministers in attendance were Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda, Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale, Minister of Labour Agnes NyaLonje, Minister of Mining Monica Chang’anamuno, Minister of Trade and Industry Sosten Gwengwe and Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule.
