Mozambican mayor seeks closer ties with Ningbo

Júlio José Parruque, mayor of Matola in Mozambique, has expressed a strong desire to strengthen the city's partnership with Ningbo, emphasizing its openness to investments from the Chinese city and beyond.

Ningbo, a coastal city in East China's Zhejiang province renowned for its modernity and bustling trade, is home to a multitude of manufacturing enterprises. In an exclusive interview with Ningbo Daily, the Mozambican mayor stated, "Matola looks to establish a friendly city relationship with Ningbo, paving the way for a collaborative effort towards a brighter future."

Parruque highlighted Matola's exceptional investment climate and the tremendous opportunities spawned by urban development, positioning it as a premier investment destination not only for Ningbo but also for various other regions. He elaborated on the city's proactive strategies to lure investment, including streamlining investment processes and offering attractive tax incentives, all while emphasizing the enduring and stable ties between China and Mozambique — a crucial factor that will boost confidence among Chinese investors.

"We have a wide spectrum of sectors ripe for collaboration, ranging from new materials, healthcare, and digital technology to automotive assembly, tourism, and more," Mayor Parruque explained.

"With Matola hosting Mozambique's largest industrial park, we are ready to attract innovative enterprises. Furthermore, our city boasts unique natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage that are primed for further development and promotion," he added.

Looking ahead, Parruque expressed excitement for the upcoming 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation scheduled for September. "This event serves as a vital platform for strengthening the bonds between China and Africa. As cooperation deepens and expands, I firmly believe that our primary focus should be on nurturing the development of our people. We are excited to progress hand in hand with our Chinese counterparts."

Encompassing an area of 373 square kilometers and with a population of 1.3 million, Matola, capital of Maputo province in Mozambique, is a pivotal port and industrial hub within the nation.