China's Dual Role in Mozambique: Development Partner and Source of Controversy
Francisca Reino, Mozambique's delegate to the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macau), recently highlighted the crucial role played by the Chinese government and various Chinese companies in the development of infrastructure in Mozambique. Concurrently, Mozambique plans to submit new applications to the China-Portuguese Speaking Countries Development Fund, focusing on sectors such as energy and natural resources.
This acknowledgment comes amidst growing internal contention in Mozambique over the role of its Chinese partner. Criticisms are mounting concerning the illegal exploitation of fishery and wildlife resources, among other scandals, including serious crimes attributed to Chinese nationals. There are allegations of annual smuggling of significant amounts of fish and timber to China, bolstering the Chinese economy while harming Mozambique's.
Mozambique's reliance on Chinese loans to finance development projects, some of questionable effectiveness, has limited the government's approach to addressing these issues.
In her recent interview, Francisca Reino focused on the positive aspects of cooperation with China, avoiding the controversial issues. She praised projects such as rice cultivation in the Limpopo Valley by Wanbao Africa Agricultural Development, Ltd., emphasizing the importance of the energy sector and other fundamental pillars for Mozambique's economic development, such as agriculture, industry, tourism, and infrastructure construction.
Reino pointed out that many vital infrastructures in Mozambique have been built with Chinese cooperation, including the Maputo-KaTembe Bridge and the number 6 road linking Beira to Machipanda, as well as investments in the mining sector. However, she acknowledged that significant challenges remain, such as consolidating the Maputo-Rovuma road link, which is essential for national development.
