The United Kingdom has shown interest in strengthening investment in the province of Manica, particularly in agriculture. For this purpose, a portal was launched in the city of Chimoio, through which businessmen from both countries can expose the existing investment opportunities..
The business platform was launched by the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Mozambique, Katherine Fletcher, who concluded a two-day working visit to Manica province yesterday.
Katherine Fletcher explained that it is the UK's goal to identify areas of business and investment that can bring concrete gains to the province.
"We are here to identify some areas for partnerships and also to present what our country might need from this province and the country. We are quite impressed with the potential of this province, but we also have our market open to Mozambicans. So we believe in good results in this intelligent partnership between Mozambique and the UK," said Fletcher.
He also explained that coming to Mozambique aimed to identify more areas for investment and bring British expertise in various spheres, including agriculture, livestock efficiency, and energy.
Fletcher welcomed the efforts of Mozambique, which along with 47 other countries is no longer on the red list for international travel that had been imposed due to Covid-19, which could facilitate trade between the two countries.
"Mozambique has a high potential for the sustainable production of several crops that can be made possible with partnerships with companies affiliated to the United Kingdom. Therefore, we can say that the relations between the two countries are good and we hope that, with these meetings, more investment opportunities will open up between the parties. British agribusinesses employ over 400,000 Mozambicans and are making an important contribution to this country and to the United Kingdom", he added.
The Secretary of State in Manica province, Edson Macuácua, said that the Government wants to see local businessmen having open doors, access to markets and partnerships with the British counterpart.
On his visit, Fletcher stopped by UK affiliates such as Agriterra Group, ECA, Phoenix Seeds and Companhia do Vandúzi to learn about UK Plcs operations in Mozambique and the main challenges faced by these firms.
Fletcher's agenda in Mozambique included a visit to ongoing projects in Gorongosa National Park, where he will explore opportunities to facilitate increased exports of coffee and honey.
Also at the Park, the British governor will learn about agricultural activities and explore opportunities for collaboration in the sector, including promoting his country's experience in agro-technology, women's economic empowerment programs, highlighting Gorongosa's contribution to building climate resilience, green economy job creation, and carbon credit projects.