Transport and tourism critical for strengthening cooperation with Tanzania – Chapo

By MOZTIMES

Dar es Salaam (MOZTIMES) - Mozambican President Daniel Chapo told reporters on Sunday that transport and tourism are crucial for strengthening economic cooperation between Mozambique and Tanzania.

He was speaking after a working visit to Tanzania, during which he attended the opening ceremony of the 50th edition of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Saba Saba) as the guest of honour.

Chapo said that both countries are working to develop the Mtwara corridor, which consists of “railway lines, ports, and roads along this major corridor, which can strengthen the link between the two countries.”

Chapo also stressed the improvement of border infrastructure, including the completion of road paving and the implementation of a one-stop border post system at Negomano (on the Mozambican side).

“Plans are also being studied for the construction of a new bridge and the improvement of the road connection between Palma district, in Cabo Delgado province, and the Tanzanian border –measures aimed at facilitating trade and the movement of people and goods”, he said.

He described the production of cashew nuts, a key cash crop in both countries, as “strategic”. Chapo called for increased production on both sides of the border, and announced that Mozambican technical teams would travel to Tanzania to study marketing models that could strengthen the participation of domestic operators in the value chain.

Regarding air transport, he revealed that negotiations are underway between Mozambique Airlines (LAM) and Tanzanian airlines to establish new flight connections.

“We envision, for example, someone flying from Nampula to Dar es Salaam and then connecting to other parts of the world from there. We also hope to create integrated tourism itineraries involving Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa”, he said.

Chapo reiterated that strengthening regional integration is essential for the continent’s economic development. “No one develops in isolation. We are all brothers, and we must remain united in this struggle for our economic independence,” he said.

He added that African nations should preserve the spirit of solidarity that defined the liberation struggles and transform this spirit into stronger economic cooperation. “Each African country played its part in the freedom of others”, he said. “We must remain united and cohesive in this struggle for our economic independence”.

Chapo also said that the government is providing continuing assistance to Mozambicans returning from South Africa following acts of xenophobic violence.

“In addition to the humanitarian response, the government is identifying the professional skills of the repatriated citizens to facilitate their integration into development projects in Mozambique and into international labour markets with which the country maintains cooperation agreements”, he said. (MT)