I nternational logistics companies wanting to set up in Mozambique in order to exploit the opportunities created by the investment in the country’s gas fields should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat, according to Faruque Assubuje, project and liner manager of Manica Freight Services. Mozambican companies such as Manica, which was established in 1849, have proven resources and systems in place. They also have the all-important local knowledge and contacts that are needed to move freight efficiently. Manica is already a partner for various industries, including mining, infrastructure, energy, telecommunication and oil and gas. Assubuje sees opportunities for partnerships. “We are not a threat to the international logistics companies in the global markets, and they are not a threat to us in Mozambique because of our expertise, and also because there are regulations that set aside a percentage of the work for Mozambican companies,” he says. Both parties have something to offer. International expertise is needed because no Mozambican logistics company has handled a project on the scale of the Mozambican LNG plants, and the foreign firms are not familiar with local conditions, systems and procedures. Manica Freight Services is well positioned in a partnership with a leading global project forwarder, with vast experience in successfully executing oil and gas mega projects, he says.