The Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP) highlighted the importance of Portuguese companies in the Mozambican economy, emphasising their ‘strong and dynamic’ presence in key sectors in the country, during the 59th edition of the Maputo International Fair (FACIM), according to Lusa.
‘The relationship with Mozambique is necessarily always active and dynamic, as we have a large community here, and a large part of that community are entrepreneurs,’ said Alexandra Ferreira Leite, AICEP delegate and economic and commercial counsellor at the Portuguese embassy in Maputo.
‘We are a strong and important business presence in the market. Historically, we have been among the top ten exporters to Mozambique,’ she said.
According to the information, the Portuguese companies present at FACIM 2024 play a crucial role in construction, public works, energy, industry, banking, distribution and services, contributing significantly to Mozambican employment and labour training.
‘Mozambique continues to be an important destination for Portuguese investment, with opportunities for growth, especially in renewable energies and other areas of economic and business co-operation,’ reads the announcement.
“We are a strong and important business presence in the market.Historically, we have been among the top ten exporters to Mozambique”
Despite the significant Portuguese presence in the Mozambican market, there has been a decrease in the number of Portuguese exhibitors at FACIM in recent years. This year, Portugal’s presence is marked by exhibitors spread out over several pavilions, while AICEP has opted for an institutional exhibition model.
‘We haven’t had the biggest pavilion at the fair for a few years now, although we’ve always had a prominent presence (…). This year, the Portuguese presence is made up of exhibitors who are individually present in various pavilions,’ said Alexandra Ferreira Leite.
FACIM is taking place at the Ricatla International Fair and Exhibition Centre, located in the district of Marracuene, Maputo province, and its theme is ‘Industrialisation: Innovation and Diversification of the National Economy’. It will last seven days (from 26 August to 1 September) and will showcase the country’s potential for production and exports, as well as promoting business and investment opportunities in the various segments of economic activity.
This year, 2,300 nationals and 650 foreigners from 25 countries around the world have been attracted, spread over more than ten pavilions and free spaces, and all economic sectors, associations, public and private companies are also invited.
The fair is a platform for exchange and co-operation and will feature a range of activities including exhibitions, seminars, promotion sessions and contact exchanges.
