The president of the Mozambique Chamber of Commerce (CCM), Lucas Chachine, advocated, on 21 October, in Macao, the relocation of some Chinese industries to the African country. The remarks were made on the sidelines of the opening of the 31st Macao International Fair (MIF).

In his view, Mozambique's location could allow the country to assume a strategic role for China in the region. He identified clothing, the automotive industry and machinery manufacturing as sectors with potential for industrial co-operation.

Chachine considered that Mozambique could function as a production platform, including the manufacture of components. Such industrial activity could serve the Mozambican market and enable exports to the vast African regional market.

The CCM leader also highlighted the availability of labour in the country, noting that around 500,000 young people enter the Mozambican labour market each year.

He further advocated that co-operation between Mozambique and China should place greater emphasis on production on Mozambican territory, beyond the trade relations associated with consumption.

(Source: Mundo Lusíada, 22 October)