By Cathy Maulidi:
President Lazarus Chakwera has backed his two trips to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, saying they are key to the country’s goal of becoming self-reliant.
Chakwera said this Wednesday at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe where he left the country for Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
He said the two trips will help Malawi boost its economy through the agriculture, tourism and mining sectors.
“When we look at our desire, dream and vision [of] Malawi 2063, we do want to become an increasingly wealth, self-reliant nation and industrialised upper middle income economy. To do that, the agriculture sector has to produce, add value to what is produced and the products should have markets.
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“We are talking about producing more agricultural products not just for consumption but for export. Trade is extremely needed at this stage and we need to trade more so that we don’t rely on aid,” Chakwera said.
The President, therefore, urged Malawians to produce quality agriculture products, saying his trip to Egypt would help establish markets for Malawi’s produce.
He said, in Saudi Arabia, he would ensure that sectors such as tourism, mining and agriculture benefit.
“Now you look at what I’m going to Saudi Arabia for; primarily the Makanjira road. That area is extremely rich and can be used for tourism as well as mining for immediate results. That is a significant roadmap helping us towards the Malawi 2063 [goals],” Chakwera said.
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While in Saudi Arabia, the President is expected to witness the signing of a $20 million (K22 billion) loan agreement between Malawi and the Saudi Fund for Development for the construction of the Mangochi- Makanjira Road.
From Saudi Arabia, he is expected to proceed to Cairo, Egypt, for the Intra- African Trade Fair on November 13.
Chakwera is expected to return home on November 14.
