Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has signalled a shift towards deepening economic ties with China, calling for “real, tangible and measurable” outcomes from future cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion in China this week, Chapo said Mozambique was at a critical juncture as it marked 50 years of independence and five decades of diplomatic relations with Beijing.
“Mozambique is currently at a turning point. Fifty years after independence and 50 years of China-Mozambique cooperation, our political and diplomatic relations are excellent; now we want to open a new page for economic and commercial cooperation,” he said.
Chapo emphasised the need to convert long-standing political goodwill into concrete investment outcomes.
“We are here to talk about projects, partnerships and results. More than that, we are here to transform trust into investments, and investment into real, tangible and measurable economic transformation for the benefit of the Mozambican people and our friends in China, particularly in this province of Qinghai,” he said.
Chapo highlighted Mozambique’s resource base and sectoral opportunities, pointing to agriculture, mining, hydrocarbons and technology as key areas for collaboration.
“It is a country rich in minerals, agriculture and tourism, which is currently designing special economic zones to create incentives and open doors for investment from our Chinese friends, especially from here in Qinghai,” he said.
“This demonstrates that we can grow together, reduce poverty together and build a sustainable economy based on clean energy and innovation,” he said.
Chapo also pointed to trade facilitation measures announced by Xi Jinping, including the zero-tariff initiative that could boost Mozambican exports and enhance value creation.
The president has been in Beijing on a state visit, with both countries using the anniversary of diplomatic relations to pursue expanded strategic and commercial cooperation.
Source: Lusa/Club of Mozambique
