Chapo calls for more cooperation in blue economy

Maputo, 20 Aug (AIM) – Mozambique is willing to welcome investments and initiatives that strengthen cooperation in the blue economy, maritime infrastructure, and port security.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo defended this position on Wednesday in Tokyo, during the opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), which is taking place in the Japanese city of Yokohama, under the motto “Towards African Prosperity through Collaboration with Japan”.

The blue economy is related to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, as well as preservation of ocean ecosystems.

“In line with our National Strategic Development Plan 2025-2040, we reiterate our willingness to welcome investments and regional initiatives that aim to strengthen economic integration and peace in the Indian Ocean region”, he said.

Chapo said that the Indian Ocean does not only function as a bridge between continents, but also as a breakthrough in socioeconomic development, enabling cultural exchanges and access to international markets.

The President believes that port logistics and maritime security, with a focus on the Nacala Corridor in northern Mozambique, sustainable tourism, and energy transition are key areas for cooperation.

“These key areas include regional trade, technological innovation, and investment in green infrastructure and renewable energy. Mozambique has approximately 2,700 km of coastline along the Indian Ocean, and over 60 percent of its production depends directly on the ocean”, he said.

“The Indian Ocean-Africa economic partnership plays an important role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda, especially in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, he added.

According to Chapo, Mozambique is open to cooperation in the economic sphere, including sectors of services, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries “across Southern Africa, the Middle East-Africa, and Asia-Africa.”

He added that there is a need to boost bilateral and multilateral forums that reflect the values of TICAD: African prosperity, international partnership, and people-centered development.
(AIM)
pc/Ad/