Staff Reporter
Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi has urged Zimbabwe and Mozambique to deepen their bilateral cooperation and increase investment flows, saying both countries have yet to fully capitalize on their economic potential.
Speaking at the opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) in Harare yesterday, President Nyusi expressed concern over the current levels of engagement between the two nations.
“President Mnangagwa and I are both worried about the low level of cooperation between our countries, given the opportunities available, our current trade and investment levels fall far short of what they could be in a global market context,” president Nyusi stated.
President Nyusi emphasized the importance of reversing this trend, describing the current economic relationship between Zimbabwe and Mozambique as "weak."
“This is why my brother, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, is concerned, and it is also why I am concerned. We need to change this situation, and our participation at this forum is a step toward reassessing our trade relations. Our attendance at this exhibition reflects our determination to attract, not just Zimbabwean investors, but also international ones from diverse sectors,” he stated.
President Nyusi also highlighted the critical role of infrastructure development in fostering closer ties.
“We intend to keep cooperating, allowing goods and people to move freely between our countries while creating wealth together for our citizens’ benefit, the completion of the $200 million rehabilitation of the 317-kilometer Beira-Machipanda railway line last year is a concrete example of efforts to build stronger connections,” he added.
Calling for a broadening of investment areas, the Mozambican President stressed that economic engagement should extend beyond agriculture.
"We want to stimulate trade by ensuring there are adequate resources, infrastructure, and logistical facilities," he said.
President Nyusi also praised Zimbabwe's economic progress in the face of what he referred to as "unjust and illegal sanctions" from the West.
“Zimbabwe has shown incredible resilience, turning challenges into opportunities, today, it is a nation that rises above adversity, achieving growth without deprivation. This progress is due to the unwavering dedication of its people and the visionary leadership that fosters resilience," he remarked.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa echoed President Nyusi's call for stronger bilateral ties, expressing a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
"We stand together with Mozambique in recognizing the immense potential our countries hold, our history of collaboration is long, but we must now take practical steps to elevate it to new heights, leveraging our combined strengths in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and trade,” President Mnangagwa said.
President Mnangagwa also affirmed the importance of infrastructure development in achieving these goals, specifically citing the rehabilitation of the Beira-Machipanda railway line as a significant milestone.
“The recent restoration of the Beira-Machipanda railway line is just one example of what we can accomplish together, this project not only connects our nations physically but also serves as a symbol of our determination to open new pathways for economic growth and prosperity for our people,” President Mnangagwa remarked.
With renewed pledges for cooperation, both countries appear poised to move beyond rhetoric and realize the full potential of their strategic relationship, as symbolized by their participation in the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
