The government has described as very successful the trip that President Lazarus Chakwera took to Accra, Ghana last week.
Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu told Times on Wednesday that Chakwera has brought back $2.6 billion (about K2.7 trillion) deals from the trip.
Chakwera returned to Malawi on Tuesday night from Ghana where he attended the 30th anniversary of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and annual general meetings.
According to Kunkuyu, the trip had a lot of benefits which included networking with other African leaders.
“But of significant note is the arrangement towards the financing of mega farms which is a very big project for us as a country because of the expected benefits from the same which is food sufficiency and commercialisation of agriculture.
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“So financing of K2.7 trillion or $2.6 billion towards the establishment of the mega farms among other projects is a landmark achievement,” Kunkuyu said.
According to Kunkuyu, Afreximbank footed all the costs for the trip, including the cost of the plane that Chakwera and his delegation boarded to and from Accra.
Kunkuyu further hinted that Chakwera will soon travel to China for the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo which has also been fully funded by the Chinese Government.
According to Kunkuyu, China is sending a 300 seater plane to get Chakwera and his delegation to the expo.
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“The trip to China is another arrangement that should excite Malawians. We would have even encouraged Malawians that this is a trip that even the government can foot the bill because of the importance of the gathering and benefits of the trip.
“But here we are again with the Chinese Government saying we are going to provide transport for the president. A 300 seater-plane is coming to the African soil to ferry the President and his team and other private business operators that are travelling with the President at no cost for the president and his team. They are also providing accommodation to the entourage,” Kunkuyu said.
On Monday, Finance Minister Sosten Gwengwe signed two agreements with Afreximbank President Benedict Orama on the sidelines of the meetings. The signing was witnessed by Chakwera.
The agreements are aimed at supporting the establishment of two industrial parks, special economic zones as well as provision of advisory services for the establishment of two mega farms.
