Maputo, 02 Sep (AIM) – The Mozambican government has announced an ambitious plan aimed at recovering cotton production from the current 20,000 tonnes to 60,000 tonnes a year.
According to government spokesperson and Minister of State Administration, Inocêncio Impissa, speaking to reporters on Tuesday after a meeting of the Council of Ministers (cabinet), the plan could generate 65 million US dollars in export following the approval of new regulations.
“Cotton production fell from around 180,000 tonnes in 2011 and 2012 to the current 20,000 tonnes, a decline of around 90 percent, also affecting employment in the sector. The government intends to reverse this trend, restore the production chain and increase revenues from the export of cotton fiber and its by-products”, he said.
The measure is also expected to increase tax revenues of more than 105 million meticais and recover of approximately 50 percent of the jobs lost in the sub-sector.
“The expectation now is, in fact, to regain Mozambique’s position in the area of cotton production. The strategy includes protecting and enhancing the value of producers and companies that form part of the value chain”, he added.
Also on Tuesday, the government approved the 2026–2045 Fisheries Policy and Implementation Strategy, which is aimed at increasing “production and the value generated by the sector through sustainable resource management, aquaculture development, improved infrastructure, and strengthened monitoring and training.”
“The new policy therefore aims to increase the contribution of fisheries to the economy and ensure greater availability of fish for consumption, combining production for the domestic market with the development of higher-value-added products for export”, he said.
Am/
