The chief executive of Japanese multinational Mitsui has expressed “optimism” about the Area 1 natural gas project in northern Mozambique, welcoming progress in restoring security in the region, a government source said on Wednesday.
The source told Lusa that Motoyasu Nozaki expressed his expectations in a meeting with the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Max Tonela, as part of a visit to Mozambique to meet local officials.
Motoyasu said he was “very encouraged by the latest developments in Cabo Delgado”, referring to progress in the fight against the “terrorist groups” that plague the province.
A lasting and sustainable peace is fundamental for a favourable environment for investment and socio-economic development in the province, he said.
Motoyasu Nozaki said that re-establishing security should also benefit communities living in the implementation areas of natural gas projects and the population of Cabo Delgado in general.
The Japanese company is a strategic partner of French oil company Total in the Area 1 liquefied natural gas exploration project in the Rovuma basin.
The consortium was forced to suspend its operation following armed attacks on 24 March on the village of Palma, near the development, which is the largest private investment in Africa.
The fight against armed groups in Cabo Delgado has seen significant progress following Sunday’s recapture of the town of Mocímboa da Praia, one of the province’s main towns, in a joint operation between Mozambican and Rwandan government forces.
On Tuesday, the commander of the Mozambican army, Cristóvão Chume, said that the joint Mozambican and Rwandan force is deploying “cleaning missions” across Mocímboa da Praia district.
