Commercial transactions over the internet, buying and selling, in Mozambique will be subject to their own regulations to ensure their control and contribute to public revenue.

"We have to bring in the e-commerce rule. Nowadays, everyone buys products via cell phone, but there are no specific instruments for this activity," said Silvino Moreno, Minister of Industry and Commerce.

This month, the country presented its trade policy to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which is yet to be revised. The instrument, according to "News", will include e-commerce provisions.

The newspaper reports that this information was provided by Silvino Moreno on the sidelines of the first ordinary session of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, held last week in Maputo.

The newly created body is responsible for assessing international trade issues, imports and exports that take place in the country, to identify any obstacles that may exist during trade activities.

"Import and export activities must be regulated. Policies for this activity should be issued or proposed by the Ministry of Trade," said Moreno, stressing the need for Mozambique to look at the world and "update its trade policy".

He noted that the country's last update took place in 2017, and the WTO obliges it to take place every seven years.