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Cletus Mushanawani Mash Central Bureau
Mozambique Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Pedro Joao de’Azevedo Divane said good political relations between the two countries should be exploited for economic gain.

In an interview after a tour of Mashonaland Central Province last Friday, Ambassador Divane said the two countries should cooperate in improving the lives of their citizens.

“There are a lot of opportunities in the neighbouring Mashonaland Central province here in Zimbabwe and Tete in Mozambique, which can be exploited for the benefit of the two countries,” said Ambassador Divane.

“We enjoy sound political relationships, but we should work harder in improving the economic fortunes of our people. We are here to invite a delegation from Mashonaland Central province to tour Tete next month. This delegation should include the private sector because we want to strengthen economic activities in the two provinces. The two governments are there to create an enabling environment for business opportunities in all sectors,” he said.

Mr Divane said he was impressed by operations at Freda Rebecca Gold Mine.
“I have learnt that Mashonaland Central is endowed with a lot of gold and was impressed by the high professionalism exhibited by the people running Freda Rebecca Gold Mine. The company should be hailed for empowering young Zimbabweans as some of them are occupying senior positions there.

“I was also impressed by agricultural activities in this province. People here are hard working and should be encouraged to produce more. If our people are empowered, they can do wonders with the land,” he said.

Ambassador Divane also implored Bindura University of Science Education to consider introducing Portuguese in its linguistic department.

“There a lot of opportunities in Mozambique, but language is the major barrier. Bindura University of Science Education should move in and address this challenge. The university should also have exchange programmes with universities in Mozambique as a way of improving their curriculum,” he said.

Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Martin Dinha called for cooperation between Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia in the development of the Zambezi Valley.

“We should continue pushing for the upgrading of roads that link the two countries. The use of the Tete route will help in help in improving trade between the two countries. We should promote the ease of doing business concept to attract more investors,” he said.

Minister Dinha said investors in the two countries should take advantage of the cordial relationship between Zimbabwe and Mozambique to improve their business.

“We should not wait for investors to come from Europe or America to invest in our countries. “We should promote each other. Zimbabweans are an enterprising lot and I am happy that our counterparts in Mozambique are facilitating trade, especially the brisk fish business.

“People, especially women, are sending their children to school through trading in fish. We should look for more opportunities that will improve our people’s lives,” he said.