Maputo, 13 Jan (AIM) – The Industrial Association of Mozambique (AIMO) has warned that the post-election crisis, characterized by strikes, mass demonstrations and looting since 21 October, is jeopardising future investments in industry.
According to an AIMO statement, the crisis also endangers the supply chain of essential goods for the population and the survival of thousands of families who depend on these industries.
“The loss of confidence by national and international investors represents a huge risk for the cost of living of Mozambicans, which could further aggravate the unemployment situation”, said Rogerio Samo Gudo, the chairpersom of AIMO, cited in the statement.
“Industrialization allows for the creation of better living conditions for the population, through job creation and urbanization, with the creation of the necessary infrastructure for industry to function, such as roads, electricity, water, communications, transport, training centres, markets, hospitals and homes”, he pointed out, while the destruction of companies jeopardizes development and the country’s economic growth.
“AIMO expresses its total solidarity with the companies, whether they are our members or not, that have been victims of vandalism. It recognizes the profound impact of the damage on the continuity of production, the well-being of employees and the development of the industrial fabric”, reads the note.
AIMO also called on “Mozambicans to refrain from acts of violence and to opt for dialogue and peaceful means to resolve any differences.”
“The new government must set up an industrial rehabilitation and recovery programme, as a way of quickly restoring business confidence and jobs, in order to reduce the deterioration of the social fabric”, AIMO added. “The Association reaffirms its commitment to working together to find the best way to mitigate the damage and support the reconstruction of the affected industrial units”.
The industrial sector, the document explains, is one of the pillars of the country’s socio-economic development “and it must be protected and preserved as an instrument of national development and prosperity.”
(AIM)
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