Mozambican President Daniel Chapo this Tuesday (22) urged Mozambican ambassadors to step up efforts to attract foreign investment to the country, placing economic diplomacy as a priority for the new government. The appeal was made during a meeting at the Presidency of the Republic in Maputo with Mozambican diplomatic representatives, according to Lusa.
‘We think it’s very important for each of us to work to bring more investment into our country, because that’s the only way we’re going to continue to develop Mozambique,’ said Daniel Chapo, who took office a week ago today.
The head of state emphasised that the entry of new foreign investment will allow for the creation of more jobs and the construction of public infrastructure, since the taxes generated by these companies will directly benefit the state budget.
‘Economic diplomacy has to be a priority for all of us. As you know, economic diplomacy, as they say in the jargon, is what’s happening these days,’ emphasised the President, calling for greater involvement by diplomats in promoting Mozambican President’s economic potential to foreign partners.
In addition to the economic focus, the President urged ambassadors to continue to protect and assist Mozambican citizens living in the countries where they are accredited. Chapo argued that, even outside the country, it is essential to foster ‘the culture of love of country’.
At the meeting, Daniel Chapo also announced that the government is considering creating a specific item in the State Budget to support Mozambican citizens abroad in emergency situations, such as the repatriation of bodies in cases of death.
‘We have situations where, when a Mozambican loses their life, the embassy doesn’t have a specific line item to provide support. We have to keep thinking about this and see how we can do it,’ explained the President.
The Mozambican ambassadors welcomed Daniel Chapo’s investiture and expressed their willingness to step up diplomatic work in line with the new government’s priorities.
‘We are ready and available for the mission that is well indicated on our President’s agenda,’ said Eliseu Machava, Mozambican Ambassador to Cuba, on behalf of the diplomats present.
Chapo’s appeal reflects the new government’s commitment to diversifying sources of income and strengthening the Mozambican economy through strategic partnerships abroad.
