Visiting Mozambican President Daniel Chapo says removing trade barriers between Malawi and Mozambique is key to attracting investments that will create jobs, empower people economically and stimulate growth.
The Mozambican leader was speaking yesterday in Lilongwe during a meeting with business leaders from the two countries to appreciate the challenges they face.
Chapo, who was sworn in as President on January 15 this year, said citizens of the two countries are one family; hence, the need to ensure that there are no trade barriers for enhanced development and economic growth.
officials to Chapo. | Jacob Nankhonya
“We have the same names, the same culture, same language, so there is no need to have barriers. Let us facilitate business so that our countries can flourish in the area of infrastructure, transportation and communication. We also have huge potential in energy sector in Mozambique,” he said.
Chapo said his discussion with President Lazarus Chakwera earlier yesterday, their discussions focused on promoting development corridors, energy, agriculture, tourism, mining and other potential areas.
However, he said that for such developments to happen, there is need for public-private partnerships.
“It is our responsibility as the public sector to facilitate business,” said Chapo.
Taking his turn, Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba said investment in cross-border trade and removing trade bottlenecks between the two countries will help grow the two economies.
“In Africa, we are realising that trade and investment is the only path to economic development, not aid. If we focus on aid, we will never develop Africa but we must focus on trade and investment,” he said.
Mumba has since called on Malawian businesses to explore opportunities in Mozambique including partnerships, saying Mozambique offers more opportunities for Malawi to grow in various sectors.
Chipping in, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) president Wisely Phiri called on the two governments to strengthen bilateral trade, facilitate joint ventures and business networks, empower small and medium enterprises as well as youth entrepreneurs.
He said a conducive environment that promotes businesses in the two countries is critical to growing the economies.
Said Phiri: “I would like to make a call in investment in cross-border infrastructure. Roads, rail, energy and telecommunications are critical for the businesses. We advocate for infrastructure that connects Malawi to Mozambican ports.”
Malawi and Mozambique share borders and have enjoyed 50 years of partnership.
