All development policies in Mozambique are focused on two major issues: poverty reduction and social and economic infrastructure development. This was affirmed to Engineering News Online on Wednesday by the Rector of Mozambique's Higher Institute of International Relations, Dr Patricio Jose.

Regarding poverty alleviation, the aim is to achieve a minimum standard of living for the country's people, including adequate nutrition and access to utilities such as electricity and basic education. Infrastructure development, including schools, hospitals, roads and railways, has also been prioritised.

"In addition, we aim to promote good relations with the outside world and the region, to ensure a friendly outside environment that would promote internal development," he added. Efforts are also being made to improve physical links with neighbouring countries and strengthen north-south communications within the country. These include the construction of a number of bridges, notably over the Zambezi river.

Apart from developments in the mining and hydrcarbons sectors, currently ports and railways are being developed or rehabilitated. The fishing industry is being developed. "We are encouraging business, including small businesses," he noted.

"We feel that the country is moving," stated Jose. "But there are contradictions. As we develop, our population is increasing. So the social pressures are increasing. We need more schools, colleges and universities. We need people to start farming scientifically. We need to produce food. We lost skills during the Civil War."

Outside mining and oil and gas, the country's main investment focus areas include agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education (including universities), transport, commercial and residential property.

"The government's approach is: let's facilitate, let's create a business-friendly environment," he reported. "But we always recommend that foreign investors should partner with Mozambicans. In part, this is to facilitate inter-cultural relations, so as to reduce conflicts, avoid damaging the business and get profits. In part, this is to transfer knowledge to Mozambicans and create a skilled workforce and local suppliers."

"The attitude of the investor towards the local community, the local people, is a tool for success," he stated. "We think this can be done, to enable foreign business in the country," Jose was participating in Frontier Advisory's Frontier Forum on the Economic Outlook for Mozambique, in Sandton.