China, Mozambique sign cooperation agreements worth $100 million

MAPUTO — The governments of China and Mozambique signed on June 4 agreements of four projects worth $100 million during the 6th meeting of the Joint Commission for Economic, Technical and Trade Cooperation between the two countries.

Vice-Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce Qian Keming and Maria Lucas, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique, co-chaired the meeting. The two sides reviewed the achievements made by the two countries since the fifth meeting of the Joint Committee in 2015 and conducted in-depth discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, and development assistance, and reached broad consensus.

The signed agreements on four projects including the construction of a technical institute in the central province of Sofala, the Xai-Xai Airport, the technical cooperation of the National Stadium and the cooperation and communication of agricultural experts.

Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation José Pacheco said in his opening statement that the meeting has extraordinary significance, since it is the first time meeting after President Filipe Nyusi visited China in 2016 and the relationship between the two countries has been upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The foreign minister also said that China has made outstanding contributions to the development of Mozambique’s agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and tourism industries.

"China has helped Mozambique overcome many difficulties and has played a vital role in helping Mozambique to achieve sustainable development," said Pacheco, expressing his belief that the joint commission will not only deepen the two countries' economic and trade relation, but also strengthen the two peoples' friendship.

"The Mozambican government will provide all necessary support for the future economic and trade cooperation between the two countries," said the minister.

Qian said in his speech that the economic and trade cooperation between China and Mozambique has great potential and broad prospects. According to Qian, the purpose of this joint committee is to strengthen the effective link between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Mozambican government’s 2015-2019 Five-Year Plan, and to plan for the next phase of bilateral trade and economic cooperation on priority areas and key projects that will improve the welfare of the Mozambican people.

"China is willing to work with Mozambique, and efforts will be made to promote the implementation of China-Africa '10 Cooperation Programs' in Mozambique and promote comprehensive and in-depth development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation," said Qian.

China and Mozambique have agreements on investment protection, and in 2001 they began to implement the economic and trade joint committee mechanism. At present, China has become the largest investment source, the major trading partner, and one of the most important financing sources and builders for infrastructure projects in Mozambique.