The Embassy of Canada held this Wednesday, May 31, in Maputo, the launch of the Mozambique-Canada Chamber of Commerce and Industry whose objective is to develop trade relations between the two countries.
“I believe that much can be done to develop our trade relations, with the main emphasis on the immense opportunities for investment in business, in which we intend to demonstrate Canadian skills in this area,” said the Canadian ambassador to Mozambique, Sara Nicholls. “The creation of the Mozambique-Canada Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a great step in this direction, as it will become a platform to exchange information on opportunities in both countries to encourage partnerships and, with time, contribute to the development of bilateral relations that will compete for more jobs and prosperity of both nations,” she added.
Sara Nicholls understands that renewable energy, oil and gas, agriculture, clean technologies and the infrastructure sector offer opportunities for Canadian and Mozambican companies to work together for mutual benefit. “Canadian companies are already active in Mozambique, providing engineering services, professional consulting in capacity building and producing solutions,” she said.
The ambassador reiterated that “trade and investment have always been important to Canada as this is the basis of our economy. This chamber is an opportunity for our Government to diversify the economy. As such, [Canadian] Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has instructed the Minister of Trade to develop an economic cooperation strategy to help build sustainable and inclusive economic relationships on the African continent.”
Sara Nicholls further pointed out that her country “has already invested $1.45 billion in development assistance to Mozambique since 2010, focused on health, education, gender equality and peacebuilding.”
“Canada is proud to work in partnership with the Government of Mozambique to improve the well-being, gender equality and human rights of all Mozambicans. Our strong bilateral relations and trade links are growing,” Nicholls added.
The launching ceremony was attended by students from the Higher Institute of Science and Technology of Mozambique (ISCTEM), teachers, the Association of European Businessmen in Mozambique (EUROCAM) and other individuals.
