The Confederation of Mozambican Economic Associations - CTA expressed concern this Thursday about the impact of the tightening of restrictions on covid-19 in the country, considering that the measures will limit the business machine.
"These measures will limit, once again, the operation of the business machine, at a time of absence of measures to stimulate and support the business sector," said Agostinho Vuma, president of CTA, the largest employer entity in the country quoted by Lusa.
The official was speaking this Thursday in Maputo during the 'briefing' on the business performance of the II quarter and the economic outlook.
According to the CTA, in the first quarter of the year activity saw a timid recovery, as a result of the relief of measures to contain the spread of the covid-19 pandemic, along with the start of agricultural marketing.
"The Business Robustness Index improved from 28% to 29%, influenced by the revival of economic activity in the agriculture, hotels and restaurants, trade and services, and transport sectors," Agostinho Vuma said.
For the second quarter, he added, although there are regulatory changes with a positive impact on business activity, most notably the repeal of assistance and inspection fees at border crossings, the outlook is not positive.
"We hope that business performance will recede due to the resumption of restrictive measures, recently announced by the government, in view of the emergence of the new wave of spread of the viral pandemic, the Delta variant," Vuma stressed, adding that hope lies in the vaccination campaign that has been developed by the executive.
Earlier this month, the President of the Republic, Filipe Nyusi, announced a tightening of restrictions to prevent the disease, due to the advancing third wave.
The measures announced include a ban on all social events, even private ones, a significant reduction in business hours, suspension of pre-school education throughout the country, and suspension of classes in the remaining levels of education in Maputo (metropolitan area), Xai Xai, Inhambane, Beira, Chimoio, Tete, and Dondo.
The start of the night curfew falls back from 10:00 PM to 9:00 PM and applies to all cities and towns, and all restaurants must close at 6:00 PM.