Mozambique should attract Chinese industries to produce locally and supply African markets, the president of the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce (CCM), Lucas Chachine, argued on Wednesday, 21 October. He identified clothing, automotive, and machinery as sectors with strong investment potential.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the opening of the 31st Macao International Fair (MIF) in China, Chachine pointed to Mozambique’s geographic location, available labour force, and access to regional markets as key advantages for establishing industrial units in the country.

“It is possible to produce in Mozambique, for consumption in Mozambique, but also to export to the vast regional market,” he said, quoted by Lusa. The proposal covers the production of both components and finished goods intended for domestic consumption and export.

For Chachine, economic cooperation between Mozambique and China should give greater space to local production, enabling the country to develop industrial capacity and reduce its dependence on imports.

The CCM president highlighted that approximately 500,000 young people enter the labour market annually, arguing that the establishment of new industries could help meet demand for employment.

When asked about the impact of political and military instability on attracting investment, Chachine rejected the notion that it would deter Chinese or other international investors. While acknowledging the existence of pockets of violence in the north of the country, he maintained that Mozambique retains the conditions to deepen economic relations with international partners.

On the business cooperation front, Chachine revealed that the CCM has proposed the creation of a joint platform of chambers of commerce from Portuguese-speaking countries. The structure is intended to facilitate dialogue between businesses, the sharing of experiences, and the identification of business opportunities, including access to Macao and the Chinese market.

The proposal seeks to leverage Macao’s role as an economic and commercial bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, developed through the Macao Forum, established in 2003.

The 31st MIF runs until 24 October at the Cotai Expo at the Venetian Macao, held concurrently with the Exhibition of Products and Services from Portuguese-Speaking Countries and the Macao Franchise Exhibition.

Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=554224