Maputo, 23 September (AIM) – The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, presented Tuesday (22) in New York the ongoing reforms and investment opportunities in Mozambique, highlighting the central role of the private sector in the diversification and development of the national economy.
The speech took place on Forbes Africa Day, held on the margins of the 81st session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, an event that coincided with the launch of the English version of the book “From captivity to the presidency of the Republic”.
Chapo highlighted Mozambique’s potential in the energy, agriculture, tourism, mining, infrastructure, logistics and digital economy sectors, ensuring that the government implements reforms to improve the business environment and facilitate the entry of investors.
” That is why we are implementing many reforms, we are opening Mozambique to business, because we have enormous potential,” he said.
Among the measures announced, he mentioned the creation of an investment steering unit within his firm to facilitate the implementation of projects.
The Head of State also referred to liquefied natural gas projects in Cabo Delgado, involving ENI, Total and ExxonMobil, but stressed that the country’s resources should contribute to a more diversified economy.
” But our vision in Mozambique is to diversify our economy,” he said, citing agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, digitalisation, development corridors and energy as priority areas.
With regard to the private sector, Chapo said the government was working to remove barriers to business, improve the business environment and establish partnerships with domestic and foreign investors.
” But the private sector is essential to Mozambique’s development,” he said, advocating for business opportunities in the areas of logistics, transport, agriculture, tourism and digitalisation.
In the energy sector, he highlighted the geographical location of the country and the potential of Cahora Bassa to supply electricity to the SADC region, mentioning projects to increase energy production and develop transport lines to meet regional demand.
Chapo also addressed the issue of fiscal discipline, citing Mozambique’s early repayment of its debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as evidence of “discipline and responsibility”. He indicated that the country was in negotiations with the Fund for a new programme, which he said was making positive progress.
At the legislative level, he highlighted the adoption of new laws in the mining, oil and gas sectors, as well as in the field of local content, aimed at improving the business climate, increasing tax revenues and ensuring that investments contribute to job creation and the provision of opportunities for young people.
To address local issues, the President called for the use of major gas projects as a source of financing for economic diversification, with investments in agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, energy, digitisation, transport corridors and financial projects.
(AIM)