Malawi, Mozambique strategic neighbours
Malawi and Mozambique trade ministers have reiterated that their two countries are strategically connected through their lengthy borders and that there need for them to support each other’s transit is critical.
Speaking last week in Tete, Mozambique during bilateral trade talks, Malawi’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Joseph Mwanamvekha and his Mozambican counterpart, Ernesto Tonela said their two countries share a symbiotic and mutual relationship.
“Malawi and Mozambique provide each other transit routes for trade, as such it is important that we pursue programmes for speedy implementation and resolution of trade facilitation matters, non-tariff barriers, cross-border trade and transit issues affecting trade,” said Mwanamvekha.
He said much as the bulk of Malawi’s goods pass through Mozambique, Malawi has also become a transit corridor for Mozambique through the construction of a railway line by Vale Mozambique passing right through Malawi enabling Mozambique to transport heavy cargo.
He disclosed that Mozambique was also planning to construct a power line to pass through Malawi.
“As such, there had always been regular engagement between the two countries at ministerial and technical levels, creating a cordial atmosphere necessary for positive resolution of challenges as well as implementation of joint trade facilitation programmes for the mutual benefit of both countries,” he said.
He said it was the recognition of Mozambique as a strategic trade partner that Malawi has decided to establish a Trade Promotion Office in Tete to facilitate trade and investment by taking advantage of phenomenal economic growth taking place in Tete.
On his par t, Tonela said Mozambique was happy to use Malawi as a transit route as well and cited the Vale Railway Project as having brought the two countries together in various aspects.
“Mozambique is committed to work hard to remove all trade barriers between our countries for the development of the private sector and promote actions that would facilitate trade between the two countries,” said Tonela.
