By Fostina Mkandawire
Malawi and Mozambique on Wednesday signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) aimed at improving the energy sector and boosting trade.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, which took place at the Office of the President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi in Maputo, President Lazarus Chakwera said the signing of the trade agreements between Malawi and Mozambique is key in enhancing the economic relationship between the two countries.
“I am optimistic that the opening up of the Nacala Port to transport fuel and petroleum products from Mozambique to Malawi will reduce transportation costs of petroleum products and the energy agreement will also reduce blackouts,” Chakwera said.
Chakwera and Nyusi witnessed the signing ceremony of the MoU on energy, a process which was formalised by energy ministers of Malawi and Mozambique.
Under the agreements, Malawi seeks to negotiate for a convenient border post, simplified trade regimes, equal treatment of transporters and tightened security to reduce the crossing of borders using unchartered roots.
Chakwera said it was pleasing to note that Malawi and Mozambique’s bilateral ties are now stronger than ever, a development that is beneficial to the people of Mozambique and Malawi.
In his remarks, Nyusi said the two countries will collaborate to ensure the agreements become practical so that the people of the two countries benefit.
“Key sectors that are crucial to the development of our two countries have been thoroughly scrutinised. These include agriculture, energy and transport. Much focus has been paid to the transport and energy sectors,” he explained.
Nyusi said the government of Mozambique would continue supporting the joint project of construction of the 218-kilometre Malawi-Mozambique Interconnector Project and Matambo Substation as part of the Mozambique- Malawi Interconnection Project.
The Mozambican President expressed dismay at the current trade volumes between Malawi and Mozambique, which are relatively low despite the proximity of major commercial and industrial hubs of the two countries.
“I can confidently say that we have allocated space at Nacala Port for Malawi to be spearheading transportation of products to reduce cases of traffic and cargo taking too long to reach Malawi,” he said.
Nyusi also revealed that a one-stop border post would be operationalised at Mwanza border in Malawi to further boost trading activities between the two countries. While in Mozambique, Chakwera was taken on a learning visit to Boane District to appreciate industrial activities at Beluluane Industrial Park.—Mana
0 Comments