Malawi-China sign Protocol on macadamia
Malawi’s trade doors widen as Malawi and China sign a protocol on macadamia exports into China. The development comes at a time where Malawi through the National Export Strategy II has been making deliberate steps to diversify her exports.
Speaking today at the signing taking place during the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Changsha City, Hunan Province in China, Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Vitumbiko A.Z. Mumba said the Protocol would enhance market access for Malawian macadamia into China, thereby diversifying the export base and increase export earnings which would subsequently improve the balance of payments for the country.
He however hinted on the need for value addition.
“Much as this Protocol offers an opportunity for export of raw macadamia to China, I would like to invite the Chinese businesses to come and invest in value addition processes of our commodities, including macadamia, to improve their export competitiveness by exporting processed products which fetch high returns on the market,” said Mumba.
The Minister further called on the Chinese business community to come and invest in the Agriculture-Tourism-Mining-Manufacturing (ATMM) key projects which have the potential to transform Malawi’s economy in the short to medium term.
“I will personally facilitate your establishments in these priority sectors, as guided by our State President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera,” he assured.
Mumba, reiterating his stand on matching plans with action, emphasized the need for the parties to translate the protocol into action.
“Let me add that this Protocol concluded today should not just be another document, but should live to achieve its objectives. Gone are the days of taking pride in beautiful documents yet without implementing them. Malawi is committed to religiously do its part under this Protocol and I believe that China will do its part as already demonstrated in the signing of the document.”
The Minister pointed out that since he became Minister responsible for trade and investment development in Malawi, he has put much emphasis on assisting businesses that are into production and value addition other than those in import and trading.
“We know that the only sure way of sustainable economic growth follows the industrialization path. We don’t need to repeat its relevance as China has gone through the same trajectory. And today every nation, except a few greedy ones, can accept the economic dominance China has proved over the past few decades. Malawi is very much willing to learn from Chinese success stories and strategies.
The expo which is under the theme, "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization," has drawn together over 10,000 participants from China and Africa with at least 20 enterprises from Malawi participating. The Malawi delegation comprises such sectors as Agriculture/ Agro-processing, Artisanal Mining and Tourism.
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