The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) aims to leverage the experience of Thailand’s private sector to increase rice production, with the goal of supplying the domestic market and Southern Africa. The intention was announced this Friday (6) following a meeting between delegations from the two countries.
Thailand’s private sector expressed interest in supporting Mozambique in boosting rice production in order to supply both the local market and Southern Africa. The announcement was made on Friday (6) after a meeting between delegations from the two countries.
Amâncio Gume, Vice-President of the CTA, highlighted that Thailand is globally recognised for its expertise and technology in cereal production. “Imagine the impact if this experience were applied in Mozambique: producing, processing locally and supplying both the domestic and regional markets,” he said.
Gume noted that Mozambique has 36 million hectares of arable land, abundant water resources and climatic conditions that allow for several harvests per year, regretting that only a small portion of this potential is currently being utilised.
For his part, Phong Mekthipphachai, a representative of the Thai private sector, expressed openness to supporting national initiatives with technology and knowledge to develop the agricultural sector. “Mozambique has a large amount of agricultural land and, with proper management, it could produce for the local market and even export to Europe,” he assured.
According to Gume, the domestic market is already secured for new investments in local production, irrigation, mechanisation and industrial rice processing, while also highlighting opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, floriculture, fisheries and aquaculture — sectors that have also attracted interest from Thailand.
The CTA leader stressed that the country’s potential goes beyond rice. “Mozambique has enormous capacity in agro-processing, particularly in the processing of tropical fruits. The machines brought by this mission represent exactly the technology needed to reduce agricultural losses and create local value,” he said, calling for long-term partnerships.
The cooperation comes at a time when the Government has announced that cereal imports, particularly rice and wheat, will be handled exclusively through the Mozambique Cereals Institute (ICM). The measure aims to curb the illegal outflow of foreign currency, ensure supply and stabilise domestic prices.
The private sector has reacted with “deep concern” about the viability of its operations and announced the creation of a specialised commission to engage in dialogue with the Government.
Source: Lusa
