WT/TPR/M/354  
20 June 2017 
(17-3275) Page: 1/48 
Trade Policy Review Body  
3 and 5 May 2017   
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
MOZAMBIQUE  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: Ms. Irene Young  (Hong Kong, China ) 
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F MOZAMBIQUE  .............................  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  8 
4  STATEMENTS  BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF MOZAMBIQUE  AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  39 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSO N ................................ .........................  47 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Mozambique  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 354/Add.1  and will be available 
online at http:// www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The new TPRB Chair, His Excellency Ambassador Juan Carlos Gonzalez of Colombia, 
unfortunately could not chair this meeting, as he was away from Geneva. According to t he TPRB 
rules of procedure (paragraph 6 of document WT/TPR/6/Rev.3) in the absence of the Chairperson, 
the Chairperson of the General Council, or in the latter 's absence, the Chairperson of the DSB, 
should  perform the  functions of the Chairperson. The Secr etariat  checked the availability of both 
Chairs, and unfortunately, both were unavailable. According to the rules of procedure, in that case, 
the TPRB should  elect an interim Chairperso n for the meeting. As the former TPRB Chair, Ms. Irene 
Young (Hong Kong , China) was asked to be the interim Chair.  No delegation had  an objection to 
this proposal.  
1.2.  The third Trade Policy Review of Mozambique was held on 3 and 5 May 2017. The 
Chairperson, Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China)  welcomed the delegation of Mozambique  
headed by H.E. Ernesto Max Tonela, Minister of Industry and Trade; the delegation from 
Mozambique ; and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Christopher Onyanga Aparr  (Uganda) . 
1.3.  Members were pleased  to have with them other guests. First, as agreed by Members ear lier, 
the United Nation s Industrial Development Organiz ation (UNIDO) was attending this meeting as 
observer on an ad hoc basis.  Second, government officials of WTO Members and Observer 
Governments who were participating in a Geneva -based Trade Policy Cours e organiz ed by the 
Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation of the WTO Secretariat, as part of the WTO 's 
Trade -related Technica l Assistance activities.  Attendance at WTO meeti ngs (including TPR 
meetings) had  been an integral part of these courses, and the Chairperson  hoped their guests 
would  find this meeting useful.  
1.4.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Mozambique  was co ntained in document 
WT/TPR/G/354  and that of the  WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/354 . 
1.5.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Singapore; Argentina; Kenya; European Union; Canada; United States; and China . The following 
delegations submitted w ritten questions after the deadline: Brazil; Norway; Thailand; Republic of 
Korea; and Chile . 
1.6.  At the previous TPR in 2009, Members had congratulated Mozambique on its positive 
economic performance, but had also noted that Mozambique was among the poorest LD Cs, due 
mainly to supply -side constraints such as poor acces s and high costs of utilities. At the same time, 
administrative hurdles had undermined the business environment and the economy 's 
competitiveness. Mozambique had been  therefore urged to continue i ts reform process, so as to 
promote private sector development and improve the fun ctioning of its public sector. During this 
review period, important changes to the legislation and institutional arrangements had indeed 
been introduced.  They affected a wide  spectrum of trade -related policies and economic activities, 
such as competition policy, government procurement, intellectual property rights, mining and 
energy, t ourism and telecommunications. What exactly did these changes mean to f oreign traders? 
Could  they expect greater ease of doing business an d better investment conditions?  Many advance 
written questions had  been raised in this regard, suggesting that elaboration by the Mozambique 
delegation at this meeting would be helpful .  
1.7.  Members recall ed that, a t the last TPR, two others factors crucial to Mozambique 's 
sustainable development had been  highlighted, namely economic diversification and technical 
assistance for capacity building.  In its la test report, the Secretariat had  observed strong growth in 
Mozambique 's economy, fueled  by FDI inflows into the extractive industries and supported by 
sound macroeconomic management.  However, the economy was still relatively undiversified and 
vulnerable  to swings in commodity prices.  Recently, FDI and donor aid had  both decreased, 
whereas inflation, as well as current account and trade deficits were on the rise. It was therefore 
timely that Members had  this TPR, so that the Mozambique delegation could  share with them the 
country 's long -term economic and development st rategies to address these challenges.   
1.8.  With regard to specific trade policies and measures, the last TPR had seen  impro vements in 
customs procedures. Durin g this review period, there had  been further efforts to speed up border WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  clearance, such as putting i n place a single window, an authorized economic operator schem e and 
new transit regulations. And having ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the authorities were 
ready for its implementation. Members who were interested in these new developments would 
have a chance to learn more about them at this meeting.   
1.9.  Comments on the tariff reg ime at the last TPR had been mixed.  While Members had 
commended Mozambique for its unilateral reduction of tariffs, they had been  concerned about the 
low level of binding s, and the gap between bound and applied MFN rates. As the tariff regime saw 
no significant changes during this review period, it might be  helpful  to know if the authorities had  
any plans to enhance its predictability in the near future.  
1.10.   Another area in wh ich Members might  like to see action taken was compliance with WTO 
notification requirements. This was a long -standing issue that had come up repeatedly in 
Mozambique 's last two TPRs. As it remained  a concern affecting several aspects of WTO work, it 
still merited  Members  attention at this meeting.  
1.11.   Members would have the opportunity to discuss in greater detail these and other issues of 
interest to them and of systemic importance to t he multilateral trading system.  The Chairperson 
looked forward to a fruitf ul exchange.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F MOZAMBIQUE (H.E. ERN ESTO MAX 
TONELA ) 
2.1.  First of all, allow me to express, on behalf of the People and Government of Mozambique, of 
my delegation an d on my own behalf, as Head of d elegation, our great s atisfaction for standing 
before this august Assembly, on the occasion of the third Trade Policy Review of Mozambique.  
2.2.  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Di rector General of the WTO, 
H.E. Ambassador Roberto de Azevêdo, to the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, to the WTO 
Secretariat for their tireless effort and continued work and assistance in the preparation of this 
exercise.  
2.3.  Allow me to convey my deepest appreciation to the Director of the WTO Trade Policy Review 
Division and his ent ire team that worked with Mozambique during the process of preparation of 
this review since April 2016.  
2.4.  I express special thanks to His Excellency Ambassador Christopher Onyanga Aparr for having 
accepted to take on the role of discussant.  
2.5.  Finally, allow m e to also express our thanks to all Members of the WTO for their support and 
interest clearly shown to Mozambique through their pr esence and advanced questions.  
2.6.  We are very grateful for all the comments made and questions raised by Members and 
partners con cerning both the Government and the Secretariat reports.  
2.7.  Indeed, this demonstrates the interest of WTO Members, Observers, and development 
partners in a better understanding of as well as the desire for helping Mozambique to make 
improvements where necess ary in order to better use trade as a tool for gr owth and economic 
development.  
2.8.  We hope to be able to provide answers and clarification to all questions during this trade 
policy review. If not, we will be glad to provide them later, before the publication of the final 
report.  
2.9.  On this special occasion, we would like to reiterate that Mozambique considers the 
mechanism of periodic trade policy review of all WTO M embers as a key element of the multilateral 
trading system.  
2.10.   The mechanism contributes to a more t ransparent and comprehensive understanding of the 
trade policies and practices of Members, among other tools governing international trade.  
2.11.   The multilateral trading system remains a priority for Mozambique. We strongly believe that 
well-functioning multila teral trade rules are essential for the efficiency of international trade and 
for the well -functioning of the global economy.  
2.12.   We reiterate our commitment to providing our contribution towards an early conclusion of 
the Doha Development Round in its object ive of promoting a more inclusive, equitable and 
development -oriented international trading system.  
2.13.   Mozambique has a population of approximately 26 million, the majority of whom are young 
people, with average age of 17 years old and living in rural areas.  
2.14.   Indeed, we will need to take this reality as an advantage and opportunity to empower these 
youngsters to contribute to Mozambique 's future development. Education and training, including 
vocational training, are some of our priorities.  
2.15.   Since the last T rade Policy Review in 2009, the Government of Mozambique continued to 
pursue policies and regulations aimed at economic transformation, industrialization, value addition 
and diversification of production and export commodities.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  2.16.   The goal of the Government is t o increase economic growth, job creation, diversify exports 
and markets, reduce imbalances and poverty and achieve economic development.  
2.17.   Mozambique development is anchored on the National Development Strategy that clearly 
points out industrialization as a key driver for new economic dynamics.  
2.18.   Our vision is that Mozambique becomes a safe, peaceful, prosperous and one of the most 
competitive economies in the Southern Africa.  
2.19.   Emphasis on this Development Plan is placed on the development of human capital, 
development of productive infrastructures, innovation, and technological development, creation of 
specialized centres of research and development.  
2.20.   Despite the challenges of several exogenous factors in Mozambique, agriculture continues to 
deserve prominence  in the Government 's policies aimed at transforming it from subsistence into 
commercial.  
2.21.   Programmes and strategies have been developed over time together with important and 
profound reforms to increase production and productivity so that agriculture become s competitive 
in international markets while at the same time attracting investments.  
2.22.   Reforms also aim at opening up more sectors of the economy, with a view to diversify the 
economic basis, as well as attract investment.  
2.23.   In May 2016, the Government appro ved the Industrial Policy and Strategy for the period 
2016-2025, which specifies the general guidelines for industrial development.  
2.24.   After a period of growth and despite the emerging extractive industry, the country is now 
confronted with decreased growth r ates of 3.3% in 2016, compared to the impressive growth 
figures over the last decades, averaging around 7% per year, resulting from significant 
macroeconomic stability, foreign direct investments, and donor support.  
2.25.   The decreased growth rate can be associ ated, in part, to the falling of commodities ' prices, 
such as gas and coal in the international market, which affected the pace of investments in 
Mozambique.  
2.26.   Encouraged by the recent improvement on prices of these commodities, we estimate that 
the economy  may grow at 5.5%, 6.3% and 7.2%, respectively in 2017, 2018 and in 2019. 
Extractive industry will be the sector that will have the highest sectorial growth share in 2017, with 
18.9%.  
2.27.   Efforts are underway in order to diversify our export base. In this rega rd, we are in the 
process of concluding the updating of the National Export Strategy for 2017 -2020.  
2.28.   We are in close interaction with our development partners, including the International 
Monetary Fund (IMF) to find solutions for the present financial const raints we are facing.  
2.29.   We hope solutions and appropriate mechanisms will be found in order to resume the 
financial support to our programmes as soon as feasible.  
2.30.   Mozambique presented its latest trade policy review in April 2009 and since then many 
reforms  and economic and trade regulations have been put in place in order to create a more 
favorable  trade and investment environment and greater predictability in its policies and practices.  
2.31.   At that time, some recommendations were made. The Government sought, t o the extent 
possible and within its scarce human and financial resources, to comply with some of them.  
2.32.   We recognize that we still have many challenges before us, particularly with regard to 
notifications due by Mozambique as a M ember of the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  2.33.   We would  like to continue, with your valuable support, complying with our obligations, in 
training more technical people in charge of handling the process of notifications, which we consider 
very relevant and urgent for Mozambique.  
2.34.   Other areas of technical assist ance are listed in the Government report which, in our view, 
should deserve attention from our bilateral and international development partners.  
2.35.   Mozambique will continue working with its partners and donors willing to assist in the needs 
listed in the repo rt and w e welcome all the m embers and specialized organizations ' interest in 
assisting Mozambique.  
2.36.   We would like to inform Members that the list of products subject to pre -shipment 
inspections has been significantly reduced if compared to 2009. The Governm ent is now in the 
process of developing a migration strategy from the current pre -shipment inspections to a 
risk-based inspection.  
2.37.   Mozambique has ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Accordingly, we have 
notified the categories A, B and C to the  WTO Secretariat.  
2.38.   In addition, we have established a National Committee on Trade Facilitation which comprises 
representatives from public institutions dealing with trade facilitation, and representatives from 
private sector, represented by the Confederati on of Trade Association which works closely with the 
private sector.  
2.39.   We are further working on the identification of our needs for assistance, and we expect that, 
as soon as the work is concluded, the documents will be submitted to the WTO Secretariat.  
2.40.   We urge WTO, WTO Members and partners to extend their assistance to Mozambique. We 
look forward to the support of our development partners for a successful implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
2.41.   We are working with our neighboring  countries , in particular those which use Mozambique 
as a corridor for their international trade so that we can develop joint actions to further improve 
trade facilitation infras tructures and processes.  
2.42.   In 2008, the Government approved the first strategy for improving t he business 
environment in Mozambique for the period 2008 -2012, which aimed essentially at stimulating the 
private sector to invest in the country for economic growth and thereby contribute to job creation 
and, consequently, the redistribution of domestic income.  
2.43.   The second strategy was approved for the period 2013 -2017 and we are now evaluating this 
useful instrument alongside the designing of the third strategy for the period 2018 -2022.  
2.44.   In this process and given the important role that the private sector  plays in the identification 
of bottlenecks and impediments that hinder the business, the Government and the private sector 
have strengthened their mechanisms of public and private dialogue through periodical meetings, at 
different levels. This dialogue ha s resulted in substantive reduction on time and costs in doing 
business in Mozambique.  
2.45.   Still in this vein, a single agency for investment and export promotion was established in 
view to maximize our efforts to promote and attract domestic and foreign inves tment, along with 
export diversification and promotion.  
2.46.   In the area of trade in services, allow me to inform the Members that the Government 
launched a tender for more civil aviation companies to operate different national and international 
routes. It will  definitely open new opportunities for diversified investments in air transportation 
and tourism related services.  
2.47.   Mozambique continues to pursue regional inte gration and w e are committed to the 
consolidation of integration process within Southern Africa.   WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  2.48.   We are already negotiating a concept of a tripartite initiative which seeks to bring together 
COMESA, EAC and SADC markets and optimize the issue of overlapping membership in these three 
regional economic organizations. At the continental level, we are e ngaged in negotiations for the 
establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area.  
2.49.   To better explore all the opportunities offered in both regional and global markets, we will 
need more domestic and foreign investments in order to increase our production and  productivity 
and to meet the required standards that will allow us to enter into specific markets.  
2.50.   Therefore, I seize this opportunity to invite all entrepreneurs from all the Member States to 
join Mozambique in its efforts to provide better life for all,  as defined in the Sustainable 
Development Goals 2016 -2030.  
2.51.   The Mozambican Parliament ratified last month the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) 
with the European Union.  
2.52.   It is expected that the implementation of that agreement will help Mozambique to ex pand 
areas such as standards development to meet EU pre -requisites, and develop capacity building in 
view to be able to implement the development policies.  
2.53.   We believe the EU will be in a position to provide the necessary assistance, as agreed 
between the Parties,  in order to reach such purpose  and fulfil the defined objectives.  
2.54.   To conclude, I would like to, once again, convey our sincere gratitude to the different 
bilateral and multilateral partners who have been providing technical and financial assistanc e to 
our country.  
2.55.   It is our hope that the negotiations in the WTO will give emphasis to the development 
dimension including consideration of the need for a special and differentiated treatment for those 
who are most in need.  
2.56.   This will allow for a fully i ntegration in the multilateral trading system, under the 
commitment to use trade as an engine for economic growth and development, in an equitable 
way. 
2.57.   Furthermore, it will enable us to also reap the benefits of the global trade which will 
ultimately mater ialize the aspirations of our peoples as defined in the Sustainable Development 
Goals.  
2.58.   I thank you all for your kind attention.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  I am pleased to join you in welcoming the dele gation of Mozambique led by Honorable 
Minister  Ernes to Max Tonela, Minister of Industry and Trade. It is an honor  for me, as Permanent 
Representative of Uganda, to participate in this trade policy review, and to have been invited in my 
personal capacity to be  a discussant at this third trade policy review s ession of Mozambique.  
3.2.  I am extremely grateful to my c olleague, H.E. Ambassador Comissário, for the confidence he 
has put in me to choose me for this honored  position of a discussant. Hon orable  Minister, you have 
a diligent and conscientious representative  in the person of Ambassador Comissário at your 
Permanent Mission to the WTO in Geneva. I admire his ever consistent and effective participation 
in crucial consultations and deliberations that have gone on in the WTO. I commend him and his 
Staff for the con stant and tireless contributions and especially in defense  and protection of the 
LDCs interests.  
3.3.  I thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Mozambique for their comprehensive 
reports, which have provided us with an insight into the economic, social and political vision of 
Mozambique. The reports form a good basis for our discussion.  
3.4.  Furthermore, I thank you, Chairperson for your introductory remark s. I do sincerely thank 
the Honorable  Minister for his insightful presentation on the state of the Moza mbique economy.  
3.5.  Mozambique is a least developed country in the south eastern part of Africa, bordering the 
Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania, with a mean elevation of 345  metres. It 
has a geographical area coverage of 799,380 sq.km, 13 ,000 sq.km of which is water. Mozambique 
has a population of slightly less than  26 million people  most of whom are indigenous African 
people; with a youth dependency ratio of 88.2%. The country has not only suffered a phase  of 
prolonged internal conflict,  but also continues to experience calamities arising from natural 
hazards like floods, prolonged drought and other climatic factors. As a nation, Mozambique is only 
42 years old, having emerged from five centuries of colonialism and exploitation.  
3.6.  To my und erstanding, Mozambique is a country that is moving on the post conflict road 
towards growth and development spurred by desire for structural transformation, industrialization 
and diversification. The Government 's approach has been to devise regulatory and institutional 
frameworks in ne arly all sectors of the economy,  all aimed at this particular objective. In doing 
this, the Government hopes to s ecure employment for its people,  promote household incomes, and 
ultimately guarantee stability in the country. It  has, therefore, devised an investment regime that 
is certain to attract Foreign Direct Investment in the sectors considered to be of priority interest  to 
its people. Mozambique has d rafted measures that are aimed at the promotion of value addition. 
The or ientation of the Government is the promotion of exports with the view to, inter alia , reduce 
its deficit and manage its balance of payment challenges riding on the wave of industrialization. 
We need to encourage the Government of Mozambique to continue the  implementation of 
domestic reforms w hich will definitely contribute  sustainable economic growth and development.  
3.7.  This is the p erspective with which I expect M embers to conduct this review. With the above 
background in mind, my presentation will largely fo llow a three -pronged approach: first, the 
overall economic environment; second , trade and investment regime; and third, sectoral policies.  
Economic environment  
3.8.  The economy of Mozambique had shown strong growth since the end of its civil war in the 
1990s. Real annual GDP growth averaged around 8% over the past two decades. This strong 
growth was attributed to sound macroeconomic management in an environment of relative 
political stability, which allowed for a number of large -scale foreign investment project s, and 
significant donor support. However, between 2009 and 2015, the average GDP growth rate slowed 
down and was projected at 6.9%. In fact, in 2015, the real GDP grew by 6.6% and the GDP per 
capita was US$601. In the same period, the average recorded inf lation was 7.1%. The 
Government has attributed this slow -down in growth  to major factors, namely: t he fall in 
international prices of the  country 's main export products, prolonged droughts,  and periodic floods 
in the country.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  3.9.  It should be noted that trade  in goods and services accounted for over 100% of GDP in 2015, 
up from 68% in 2008. With a limited export basket in 2015, in which four items (aluminum, coal, 
gas and electricity) accounted for almost 63% of the export commodities. Mozambique 's imports 
are mainly manufactured goods comprising 67% of imports, especially machinery and equipmen t 
for use as megaproject inputs,  foodstuffs and other agricultural products (13%), and then fuel and 
mining products. In 2015, the exports accounted for US$3.2 billion,  while imports were valued at 
US$7.9 billion , giving an export -import deficit of US$4.7 billion . In terms of product composition: 
extractive commodities and raw materials comprised more than 70% of the exports. This would 
mean there is need for value additi on to, and diversification in the export products of Mozambique.  
3.10.   While a griculture accounted for about 25.4% of the GDP, it had a modest average growth 
rate of only 3.6%. Meanwhile , the extractive industry sector grew with an average 24.1%, but 
contributed  only 2.4% on average in the GDP structure.  
3.11.   On the other hand, it has been reported that with US$3.3  billion of services imports, 
Mozambique has remained a large net importer of services, in particular in the freight transport 
services, construction, and professional consulting and trade -related services. Tourism has become 
a significant services export sector for Mozambique, although at a modest level. I am sure 
Members would be interested to know what strategies the Government of Mozambique is putting 
in place to realize the ful l potential of its t ourism sector.  
Trade policy objectives  
3.12.   The trade policy objectives, as contained in the current five year Plan of the Government of 
the Republic of Mozambique (for the period 2015 -2019) are to create an appropri ate environment 
to promote the competi tiveness of Mozambican products.  These include strengthening 
international cooperation at bilateral, multilateral and regional levels; diversifying export products 
and destinations; promotion of export -orientated indus trialization; maximizing local content and 
value -addition in the processing of Mozambique 's natural resources and promote infrastructure 
development. In addition, the five year plan proposes  to protect domestic industries,  establish 
export proces sing and s pecial economic zones,  and above all improve the business environment.  
3.13.   It is worth noting that the Government adopted an Industrial Policy and Strategy for the 
period 2016 -2025. There is no doubt that as an LDC, Mozambique would require the support of the  
international community t o implement this important s trategy whose overall objective is to make 
industry the main vehicle for economic growth, increased employment, improved living standards, 
and development of the country 's natural resources.  
Trade and i nvestments  
3.14.   Mozambique came to the quick realization of the fact that it could not do it alone to develop 
the country. With i ts vast natural resources of un tapped raw materials, the Government decided to 
enact an Investment Code (which excludes the petroleu m, natural gas and mining sectors), that 
would provide the legal framework for investment promotion and protection. This would include a 
package of incentives and tax guarantees to both national and foreign investors. The Secretariat 
reports that the fisca l incentives include customs duty and VAT exemptions, corporate income tax 
exemptions, reductions and deductions; investment tax credits; accelerated depreciation and 
reintegration; and personal income tax deductions. It grants more i ncentives for tourism 
promotion,  and extends the corporate income tax exemption period for Industrial Free Trade 
Zones (IFZs) to 10 years.  
3.15.   It would be interesting to know the impact of current investment framework on private 
investment and if there are any challenges that might  need to be further addressed.  
3.16.   As part of its industrialization agenda, Mozambique continues to operate an In dustrial Free 
Zone (IFZ) regime,  and a Special Economic Zone  (SEZ) . The SEZs and IFZs are considered to be 
central to the Government 's industriali zation strategy.  
3.17.   Furthermore, we commend the Government for streamlining investment and export 
promotional activities, by merging the In vestment Promotion Centre (CPI),  the Office of Economic 
Zones for A ccelerated Development (GAZEDA),  and the Institute fo r the Promotion of Exports WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  (IPEX) into a one stop shop now famously known as the Agency for the Promotion of Investments 
and Exports (APIEX).  
3.18.   With regards to the remittance of funds, the Secretariat notes that in order for foreign 
investors to remit profit s out of the country and to re -export invested capital, a minimum value of 
foreign direct investment (FDI) of metical  2.5 million is required. Without that, foreign investors 
must meet one of the following three requirements: (a) generate an annual sales v olume  of not 
less than three times metical  2.5 million as from the third year of operations; (b) register annual 
exports of goods and servic es with a value equivalent to metical  1.5 million; or (c) create and 
maintain from the second year of operation dire ct employment for at least 25 Mozambican 
nationals who are registered with the social security system. In my view, the objective of this is to 
ensure increased production and productivity; improved balance of payments position through 
exports; job creation  and improved household incomes for the local population.  
3.19.   Whereas the Government has put in place the requisite regulatory and institutional 
framework, a number of issues have been identified as being problematic for doing business in 
Mozambique, includin g access to finance amongst others.  
3.20.   In addressing the concerns of the business community, the Government has put in place a 
coordination mechanism with the p rivate sector to promote public -private dialogue where solutions 
for problems that hinder the devel opment and competitiveness of the private sector are jointly 
discussed with the view to identifying the needed reforms. This interaction takes place periodically 
and at the highest level of the Government on a bimonthly basis between sector Ministers and 
their private sector counterparts,  and then quarterly and yearly with the Prime Minister and the 
President , respectively.  
3.21.   Additionally, as part of a 2013 -2017 Strategy to Improve the Business Environment, an 
Inter-Ministerial Group for the Removal of Barrie rs to Investments has been set up to assess, 
implement and monitor the implementation of the action matrix contained therein on a quarterly 
basis.  
3.22.   What is important, however is that Mozambique may wish to provide more support to the 
question of security. Without security of life and property, foreign direct investment will be shy to 
visit the country . Security issues may create a chilling effect for foreign direct investment.  
Trade measures and practices  
3.23.   On trade measures and practices: t he Secretariat 's report indicates that Mozambique 's 
applied MFN tariff has remained largely unchanged over the review period. Its simple average 
tariff rate is 10%, with a higher simple average tariff on agricultural products (13.4%) than on 
non-agricultural products (9.5% ). It is noted that Mozambique has only bound 686 tariff lines out 
of its schedule of 5,063 tariff lines (just over 13%). Bindings on non -agricultural products are very 
limited. Only 19 lines at the eight -digit level (HS 1996 nomenclature) were bound, at e ither 5% or 
15%.  
3.24.   Overall, only 14.2% of Mozambique 's tariff  lines are bound. Other duties and charges  on all 
bound items are bound at 100%. All rates are ad valorem . Mozambique does not apply tariff rate 
quotas. As at the time of Mozambique 's previous Rev iew, the highest average tariffs by HS chapter 
continue to be applied on basic food products such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables (and products 
thereof), beverages, and clothing. Agriculture remains the most heavily protected sector (average 
tariff of 12 .4%), followed by manufacturing (10%) and mining (3.7%)  
3.25.   It should be noted that Mozambique 's tariff s hows mixed escalation overall: i t is negative 
from raw materials to semi -processed products (with an average protection of 10.1% and 7.5%, 
respectively) a nd then positive from semi -processed to finished products (with an average level of 
protection of 11.6%).  
3.26.   While we can understand the need to balance the requirement to increase revenue, as was 
noted before, such a tariff structure may discourage investmen t in processing industries because 
the heavy taxation of imported inputs adds to production costs or reduces the competitiveness of WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  produc ts manufactured in Mozambique. There may therefore be a need for a careful balance in 
order to attract investment in t his area.  
3.27.   On export taxes and surtaxes: w e have noted tha t Mozambique continues to levy import 
surtaxes on cane sugar, cement,  and iron or non -alloy steel  and iron or non -alloy steel tubes. 
These affect 10 tariff lines at the HS eight -digit level. Further more,  Mozambique imposes an export 
tax of 18% of the f.o.b. customs value on raw or unprocessed cashews. There is no export tax 
levied on processed cashews. Export taxes are also levied on all raw and processed timber. The 
fee rate varies according to the level of processing. Other items that are also subject to c harges at 
export are: c otton (Co tton Development Tax of 3.5 -5%), fisheries pr oducts (fisheries license fees),  
and mining products (production taxes).  
3.28.   The objectives of these charges as has been re ported ranges from encouraging value 
addition through value chain domestic processing, with the view to promote employment; and also 
ensuring environmental protection and sustainable use of the forests. While the objective of value 
addition with the view t o industrialization and job creation is applauded, some Members have 
raised questions on the role of fees in promoting sustainability. It is our hope that the measures on 
forests and timber are consistent with the Government 's commitments under the Paris C limate 
Change Agreement.  
3.29.   With regard to customs p rocedures : we commend Mozambique for the trade facilitating 
measures it has put in place. During the review period, Mozambique established a Single Electronic 
Window System for customs clearance,  launched a n Auth orized Economic Operator scheme,  
liberalized transit regulations and then created a one -stop boar der post with South Africa. On 
6 January 2017 , Mozambique submitted its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation. While the WTO do es not have aggregated data to indicate the cost savings in terms of 
time and money, these measures are certainly a welcome development.  
3.30.   We note , however , in the report that Mozambique still maintains the practice of the use of 
Customs Brokers of all comme rcial imports, exports and goods in transit. Authorities have 
observed that this practice will be phased out during the implementation of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. It is also important to note that Pre -Shipment inspections (PSI) also remain in plac e 
although on a reduced list of goods, as has been noted in the Secretariat report. We are pleased to 
note that the Government is said to be considering phasing out PSI and is currently training its 
officials. As an LDC , Mozambique can surely take advantag e of the S&DT provisions for LDCs in the 
TFA. 
3.31.   It is noted that regional integration is an important component of Mozambique 's trade 
policy. Preferential tariffs are in place for SADC members. 99.6% of duties on goods originating 
from SADC members are now a t zero. The remaining 0.4% of dutiable lines (22 tariff lines at the 
HS eight -digit level) has been exempt from tariff reductions. Tarif f liberalization under the 
SADC -EU EPA will be implemented upon the entry into force of the Agreement. There is no doubt  
that regional integration initiatives will contribute in the expansion and diversification of export 
markets for Mozambique products.  
3.32.   As an LDC, Mozambique is a beneficiary of all non -reciprocal preferential arrangements such 
as Duty Free and Quota Free M arket,  and Preferential Rules of Origin granted by developed 
countries, and developing countries in a position to do so. This would include Everything But Arms 
and AGOA. In its national report, Mozambique reports that , on 10 June 2016 , it signed the 
Econom ic, Final and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement with the EU. In my view, Mozambique 
is still trying to find its landing zone in terms of industrial development. We have seen how 
Mozambique has embedded export taxes in its regime not only as a way to prom ote value addition 
but to promote domestic industries. We would want to know to what extent this action is 
consistent with the Government 's long -term vision of structural transformation and 
industrialization.  
3.33.   On Government Procurement: i t has been reported  that the estimated total value of 
Government procurement was metical  47.9 bil lion (21.6 billion for goods,  16.1 billion for services 
and 10.2 billion for works). Over the review period, the Government of Mozambique has continued 
to reform its procurement regime. New Public Procurement Regu lations entered into force on 
6 June 2016. The objectives of legislative reform were meant to, inter alia , increase transparency,  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  reduc e the use of direct procurement,  increase business opport unities for foreign competito rs, 
remove barriers to the submissi on of complaints by competitors,  and increase the thresholds for 
the application of limited tenders. It has been reported that these regulations do not apply to 
public enterprises or to enterprises in which the State has an equity share. A new and separate 
legislation is being developed towards this end.  
3.34.   We commend Mozambique for the reform in this sector, though. This is a prudent exercise 
of its policy space. We would be happy to learn the extent to which foreign compet itors can 
engage in procurement processes in Mozambique. We are yet to know if there are certain 
thresholds to which they can bid, and others reserved for the nationals. Are there local content 
requirements? We understand that there is no immediate obligat ion to accede to the Plurilateral 
GPA of the WTO.  
Sectoral policies  
3.35.   I would like to look a little more closely at Government policies concerning certain crucial 
sectors of the Mozambican economy.  
3.36.   On agriculture: a s the case is in many African countries, the Secretariat reports that 86% of 
the people in Mozambiqu e depend on a griculture as their primary means of subsistence. The 
contribution of agriculture to GDP was an estimated 25.5% in 2015. While the contribution of 
agro-commodities to overall exports w as 22.7% in the same year. Mozambique aims to 
commercialize agriculture, shifting production away from mainly subsistence activities and 
promoting access to international markets. This would not only promote poverty reduction but also 
enhance the attainmen t of food security. The Government would therefore require to employ 
innovative measures to increase produc tion and productivity. 62% (49 million h ectares) of the 
total land area of Mozambique is suitable for agriculture, but only 16% of that is estimated to be 
cultivated and only 3% is estimated to be irrigated. Therefore, the immediate and positive 
implementation of the Strategic Plan for Agricultural Development (PEDSA) would be a step in the 
right direction.  
3.37.   On fisheries, we note that Mozambique has co nsiderable potential for fisheries as well, but 
the sector faces some challenges. It has a 2,750 km of coastline. Its Exclusive Economic Zone 
(EEZ) is 200 miles off the coast, covering 586,000 km2 of ocean water masses.  
3.38.   The Secretariat has noted that whil e fisheries increased from 34 ,000 ton nes in 2000 to 
almost 288,000 ton nes in 2015,  commercial production and exports have not grown since the turn 
of the century. The Government has now shifted emphasis from exports to production for the 
domestic market th rough the promotion of artisanal fisheries and aquaculture, while also taking 
measure s to contain overexploitation. It may therefore be important for Mozambique to follow the 
negotiations on fisheries (subsidies) in the WTO with a view to ensuring that the  policy space 
required for the growth and development of this sector, and its subsequent integration into the 
global value chain of this industry, is preserved.  
3.39.   On m anufacturing: the Government adopted an Industrial Policy and Strategy, which sets 
out the  broad guidelines of industrial development in the country. Further more, the National 
Development Strategy (2015 -2035) seeks to promote industrialization. The main strategic 
objectives for the development of the sector are: increasing production and produc tivity, 
promoting industrialization oriented towards modernizing the economy and increasing exports, the 
promotion of employment, value chain promotion of national primary products, ensuring 
incorporation of local content, and improving the business enviro nment.  
3.40.   In Mozambique, it  is reported that manufacturing  accounts for  only 10% of GDP. The Mozal 
aluminium smelting plant dominates the sector, while the rest of the sector has significantly 
under -performed over the last decade. Mozal contributed to 48% of  Mozambique 's industrial 
output and further represents 75% of manufacturing exports with the view to avoiding over 
concentration . 
3.41.   Generally, tariff protection in the manufacturing sector has not changed significantly from 
2010 to 2016. It ranges from 0% to  20%, depending on the activity. Apart from customs duties, 
imported manufactured goods which compete with products manufactured locally are subject to WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  surcharges, as in the case of sugar, cement, and certain galvanized steel products. The 
Government shoul d explore measures to ensure a diversified range and increased export of value 
added manufactured products.  
3.42.   On tourism: Mozambique has significant potential in tourism based on its range of beach 
holiday products, ecotourism, cultural diversity, and exten sive coastline. The Government has 
made tourism a development priority since 2000. The relevance of tourism to economic growth 
and poverty reduction is also acknowledged by the Strategic Pl an for the Tourism Sector 
2004-2014. According to the authorities, tourism earnings consistently increased from 2009 to 
2012. During 2009 -2013, an average of 1.9 million persons per year arrived in the country. It is 
my conviction that a lot can be done in the tourism area. The delegation of Mozambique may wish 
to look at  some of the notifications that the LDCs group has received pursuant to the LDC Services 
Waiver. Some Members have indicated readiness to allocate specific and targeted technical 
assistance aimed at the development of tourism related infrastructure. This w ould help to 
operationalize the Tourism Strategic Plan by taking advantage of the preferential treatment made 
available to LDCs.  
3.43.   On transport and l ogistics: Mozambique is responsible for 70% of SADC 's transit traffic, with 
logisti cs corridors such as the M aputo, Nacala, and Beira Corridors. These provide the link between 
the deep -water coastal ports with neighboring countries. It therefore plays a major role in regional 
trade, as it provides important transportation corridors for cross -border businesses for  exporters 
and importers of goods.  The main challenge remains the state of the infrastructure in 
Mozambique. Most of the country 's transport network was destroyed during the civil war. It is 
therefore important that the Government takes steps to address t his issue with the view to 
facilitating trade, agricultural and other critical economic developments, and human activities.  
3.44.   In conclusion, Mozambique, as an LDC, has made, and continues to make  important steps 
towards structural transformation and industr ialization. Mozambique wants the same things for  its 
people as we do for ours: j obs, improved household incomes, peace, security and stability, among 
others. The challenges facing the country remain enormous but these are not insurmountable. The 
challenges  include: social economic infrastructure, good governance, limited liberalization in some 
sectors of the economy, lack of finance and limited attractiveness in the banking sector. However , 
we must congratulate Mozambique for the major and positive steps it  has taken towards its own 
political and economic development.  
3.45.   In terms of recommendations , we might make the  Government might need to on a few 
specific and targeted sectors that would drive the economic development of the country. It must 
deal with the is sue of security,  and mobilize the requisite funding. There must be deliberate efforts 
to increase production and productivity , and thereby make maximum use of all the preferential 
treatment that is available to LDCs within the WTO . 
3.46.   Members of the WTO shoul d also give maximum exercise to restraint in requiring LDCs such 
as Mozambique to undertake commitments that are not consistent with their level of development, 
like financial and trade needs.  
3.47.   I thank you, Madam Chairperson . WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
SINGAPOR E 
4.1.  Since its last review, the Mozambique economy has had its fair share of ups and downs. 
Following a decade of high economic growth made possible by sound macroeconomic management 
and foreign investment particularly in the extractive industries, Mozambique  is now facing the 
challenges of slowing growth and dealing with the a ftermath of its debt crisis.  
4.2.  Trade can play a key role in lifting the Mozambique economy, creating jobs and delivering on 
development. We welcome the various initiatives that the Mozambi que government has taken so 
far towards developing a transparent and predictable trade and investment regime, including the 
ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the establishment of a single electronic 
window system for customs transaction s, and the establishment of a modern competition regime 
with the promulgation of its first Competition Law and implementing regulations. In this light, we 
also look forward to Mozambique 's new policy and commercial strategy which is targeted for 
completion  by this year.  
4.3.  We encour age further efforts to liberaliz e markets and enhance transparency and 
predictability of Mozambique 's trade regime. In this regard, we urge Mozambique to bring its three 
tariff lines which have exceeded its bound rate in conformity with its WTO Commitments. This will 
bring more predictability and certainty for traders and foreign investors alike, including Singapore 
companies that are already operating in or are interested in investing in Mozambique. We believe 
that the closer bilate ral economic linkages such as the recently concluded Bilateral Investment 
Treaty will also help in this regard.  
4.4.  Another area which we would like to flag is Mozambique 's notification obligations in the WTO. 
We note that there has been a marked improvement in Mozambique 's notifications to the WTO 
since its last TPR, but there are many more gaps to be filled. We encourage Mozambique to 
continue making efforts in this regard. We also look forward to Mozambique 's acceptance of the 
amendment to the TRIPS Agreeme nt. Finally, we would like to encourage Mozambique to actively 
tap on the WTO 's technical assistance and capacity building programmes, which can help 
Mozambique to better integrate into the multilateral trading system. Singapore stands ready to 
assist wher e we can.  
ARGENTINA  
4.5.  The importance that our country attaches to Africa is gradually translating into the opening of 
new embassies. In this sense, we are pleased to point out that Argentina has had a mission in 
Mozambique since last year. The establishment  of a permanent mission will allow us to consolidate 
the mutual trust needed to deepen the political, economic, trade, investment and cooperation ties 
between the two countries and also with the region.  
4.6.  Historically, bilateral trade has been low and a surp lus for our country. Argentine exports 
reached their highest level in 2011, totalling US$102  million. In 2016, Argentine exports exceeded 
US$58  million. Argentina's main exports to Mozambique were soya bean oil (62.7%), wheat and 
meslin (15.39%), sunflower  oil (11.76%), soya flour and pellets (3.18%) and grain maize 
(2.98%). Argentina's imports from Mozambique totalled US$11  million in 2016, its main import 
being dried tobacco leaves.  
4.7.  With regard to areas in which bilateral relations could be strengthened, we have identified the 
agro-industry as a very important sector, given that the development and modernization of the 
agricultural sector is a priority for the Government of Mozambique and that the Argentine Republic 
is interested in fostering cooperation f or agricultural and agro -industrial development, which will 
help to achieve the level of transformation necessary to guarantee food security and reduce 
poverty levels.  
4.8.  With respect to technical cooperation, we would like to mention that, under the New 
Argentine Plan for Cooperation with Africa, cooperation with Mozambique has resumed and focuses 
on two areas: the agro -industry and science and technology. In 2016, a mission led by the 
General -Directorate for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Forei gn Affairs and Worship WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  (with the participation of the Ministry of Agro -Industry, INTA, the Argentine Chamber of Producers 
of Agricultural Machinery (CAFMA) and the Centre for Regional Technological Research and 
Development (CIDETER)) travelled to Mozambiqu e to advance in projects under way and in the 
development of new bilateral and triangular cooperation projects.  
4.9.  During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between INTA and the 
Mozambican Agricultural Research Institute (IIAM) to establish a n appropriate legal framework for 
the existing bilateral technical cooperation projects between the two institutions, in particular the 
bovine livestock production and cotton production projects that have been under way since 2014 
and are financed through Fo-Ar (Argentine Fund for South -South and Triangular Cooperation). 
Moreover, INTA and the IIAM agreed to develop a new Fo -Ar project to establish experimental 
fields for direct wheat sowing, which also envisages the participation of private -sector partners  
from both countries. In February  2017, the project entered a new  phase, with visits to the 
Zambé zia region.  
4.10.   In the district of Gurú e, meetings on the area's agricultural activities and potential were 
held. This experience was extremely beneficial in terms  of information on the main agricultural 
enterprises, investments and agro -ecological zones. Projects to improve livestock production and 
animal health are also under way.  
4.11.   With regard to triangular cooperation, discussions are being held with other partner s to 
explore possibilities for joint action on issues relating to, inter alia , Zambezi Valley agricultural 
development, capacity building in the Mozambican Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher 
Education, and technology management training at the Inst itute for Small and Medium -Sized 
Enterprises.  
4.12.   Lastly, attention is drawn to the negotiation of a draft Memorandum of Understanding for 
the development of economic, trade and investment ties between Argentina and Mozambique, the 
purpose of which is to promo te the implementation of economic and commercial actions and 
activities in all areas of mutual interest, including the promotion of productive investments 
conducive to generating employment and the promotion of commercial activities.  
4.13.   Lastly, while reiterat ing our appreciation of this renewed opportunity to exchange 
information and comments on the trade policies and practices of Mozambique, we would like to 
draw attention once again to the importance of this exercise in transparency from every point of 
view,  and to wish the Mozambican authorities a successful conclusion to this review.  
KENYA  
4.14.   We commend the Government of Mozambique for the progress made in implementing 
domestic reforms since the last Trade Policy Review which has contributed to growth of its 
economy at round 7% during the current review period mainly driven by FDI inflows in extractive 
industries. We note that agriculture accounts for a quarter of GDP and is a key driver of 
Mozambique 's robust growth. We therefore encourage Mozambique to commer cialize the 
agriculture sector, shifting production away from subsistence activities and promoting access to 
international markets in order to realize the full potential of this important sector.  
4.15.   Kenya commend s Mozambique for its commitment to the WTO mult ilateral trading system 
and for taking an active role in the work of the WTO including negotiations. Mozambique is also an 
active member of the AC P Group and the African Group. At the regional level, Mozambique is a 
member of the Southern African Developme nt Community (SADC) and has regional a trade 
agreement with Malawi and Zimbabwe.  Mozambique is also in the process of ratifying an EU –SADC 
EPA that was signed in June 2016. We consider these initiatives as critical in terms of opening 
market access opportu nities for Mozambique products and for the integration of the national 
economy into the global economy.  
4.16.   Kenya commends the reforms pursued by Mozambique during the review period, aimed at 
improving trade and investment environment . Some of these reforms i nclude  new laws that have 
been enacted with respect to technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, 
Competition Law, Procurement Regulations and the Industrial Property Code. However, as noted in 
the S ecretariat report Mozambique still  faces considerable challenges such as lack of qualified WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  workers, limited internal market, infrastructure insufficiencies, a costly business environment, 
limited economic diversification and high dependency on imports. We therefore encourage 
Mozambique to sustain the implementation of domestic reforms and policy measures aimed at 
addressing these challenges. We believe that this wou ld help to translate Mozambique 's econ omic 
potential into a reality.  
4.17.   We also welcome Mozambique 's ratification of the WTO Trade  Facilitat ion Agreement in 
January 2016. We have no doubt that full implementation of the TFA by Mozambique would reduce 
trade costs and boost bilateral, regional and multilateral trade and ultimately improve 
competitiveness of its economy.  
4.18.   At bilateral le vel, Kenya and Mozambique enjoy cordial relations and longstanding economic 
ties. Trade between Kenya and Mozambique has steadily increased over the years. For the period 
between 2009 and 2015 , the total bilateral trade between t he countries rose from US$1 3.5 million 
to US$27 m illion. There is still huge potential and we are confidence that our trade relations will 
continue to grow further in the future.  
4.19.   Finally, Kenya submitted some questions to Mozambique seeking clarification on a number 
of issues and w e are looking forward for responses.  
4.20.   In conclusion, Kenya once again welcomes the steps that Mozambique has taken to improve 
its economic and investment environment and , in this regard, we wish to encourage Mozambique 
to sustain the implementation of its domestic reforms. I wish the delegation of Mozambique a very 
productive and successful third Trade Policy Review and look forward to stronger economic ties.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.21.   The EU would like to start by highlighting some of the positive issues that have eme rged 
during this review.  
4.22.   First, in January 2017, Mozambique ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and it has 
also notified its commit ments under Category A, B and C. M oreover, the National Committee for 
Trade Facilitation has been established. This  is an excellent example that should be used to pr ove 
that the TFA model works.  
4.23.   Second, the EU welcomes positiv e developments in the field of t elecommunications in 
Mozambique. The new Telecommunications Law, approved in June 2016, keeps the market 
liberali zed in an atmosphere of competition and convergence of networks and services. This is a 
major milestone.  
4.24.   As regards other sector s, the EU encourages Mozambique to sustain efforts to develop its 
services capacities, in particular as regards infrastructure services. We also encourage 
Mozambique in pursuing reforms aimed at increasing openness to foreign services providers, for 
example, in the field of financial services, which would generate important benefits for 
Mozambique 's economy and in telecom sector w here the fixed -line market is under -developed with 
negative consequences at the level of Internet access due to the exclusive license . 
4.25.   Third, total trade between the EU and Mozambique has increased compared to ten years 
ago. This is also the result of succ essful initiatives and bilateral cooperation between the EU and 
Mozambique. Being a Least Developed Country, Mozambique benefits from EU support via the 
"Everything But Arms " scheme, which offers duty and quota free access to the EU market.  
4.26.   The EU welcome s the recent ratification by Mozambique of the EU -SADC EPA. We remain 
committed to the successful implementation of the agreement, including the detailed chapter on 
development cooperation, which identifies trade -related areas that could benefit from the E U 
financial support.  
4.27.   As a whole the EU does not have too many concerns to raise. We have submitted some 
questions and we are particularly interested i n receiving information on the G overnment 's new 
regime for "control stamps " for alcoholic beverages. This  would result in higher prices for the 
stamps for imported beverages than for domestic beverages and does not allow affixation of the WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  seal in Mozambique, for instance in bonded warehouses, and creates an unnecess ary technical 
barrier to trade.  
4.28.   Regarding th e economic situation in Mozambique, the EU notes that the annual GDP growth 
averaged around 8% over the past two decades and around 7% since the last trade policy review 
in 2009. The EU encourages Mozambique to increase its efforts to diversify its economy . The EU 
also takes note that Mozambique acknowledges that the welfare of Mozambique 's population, 
economic growth and the achievement of development and poverty -reduction goals depend on the 
sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protectio n. In this regard, the EU 
encourages Mozambique to managing the natural resources in an inclusive, sustainable and 
transparent way.  
4.29.   Regarding the business environment, the EU commends various reforms already undertaken 
by Mozambiq ue. The EU would encourage  the G overnment to also look into costs of court 
proceedings to enforce contracts e.g. in electricity related matters. Furthermore, issuance of work 
permits for foreign workers should be easier obtained.  
4.30.   Finally, the EU would also like to hi ghlight the im portance for the G overnment to pursue 
further efforts to fight corruption and strengthen transparency.  
4.31.   The EU remains committed to support Mozambique 's efforts to face socioeconomic 
challenges and is confident that this exercise will help Mozambique in car rying out its economic 
reforms in compliance with its international commitments in this forum.  
4.32.   On behalf of the EU, I wish Mozambique the utmost success d uring its Trade Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.33.   Canada welcomes the opportunity to participate in the third tra de policy review of 
Mozambique. There have been many positive developments since the second trade policy review in 
2009, and Mozambique 's commitment to participate in this process and learn from best practices 
bodes well for the future.  
4.34.   First, let me congr atulate Mozambique on submitting its Instrument of Acceptance of the 
WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation in January 2017. Mozambique 's commitment to swift and 
effective implementation of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation is commendable. Mozambique 's 
early notification of its Category A, B and C provisions and the establishment of a National 
Committee for Trade Facilitation will help Mozambique realize the benefits of the Agreement on 
Trade Facilitation as soon as possible. Canada encourages Mozambique to continue its efforts by 
notifying the indicative dates for implementation of Category B and C provisions. Canada would 
encourage Mozambique to explore further opportunities at the WTO to liberalize trade, such as 
participation in WTO plurilateral agreement s, particularly by joining the Information Technology 
Agreement, and by becoming an observer to the Agreement on Government Procurement.   
4.35.   Canada acknowledges that Mozambique is a country with much potential as well as 
challenges. It has abundant and diver se metal, mineral and energy resources – including coal and 
offshore gas as well as potential in renewable energy resources like hydroelectric, wind and solar – 
which could make it a major player in global energy markets and support the development of 
other sectors.  
4.36.   As a result of Mozambique 's abundant natural resources, the country enjoys generally 
steady inward flows of foreign direct investment. It also plays a key role as a transport corridor for 
the trade of landlocked neighbouring countries, accountin g for 70 % of goods transiting the 
Southern African Development Community, though Canada recognizes that strain is beginning to 
show on its current road infrastructure.  
4.37.   Mozambique 's natural resources and strategic location provide a solid foundation from w hich 
Mozambique can a ddress the challenges it faces.  Investors recognize Mozambique 's potential, 
though there is clearly scope to improve Mozambique 's business environment to encourage greater 
and more diversified investment, as indicated by its ranking of  133rd in the World Bank 's 2016 
Doing Business Report. From a commercial perspective, Canada encourages Mozambique to WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  continue working towards lowering costs of capital, lowering transaction costs, improving public 
services, developing skilled labour resou rces, improving transportation infrastructure, improving 
access to financing, and the facilitation of private land ownership.  
4.38.   More broadly, transparency and good governance, in cluding the enforcement of 
anti-corruption laws, would help increase foreign in vestment in Mozambique. We commend the 
Government of Mozambique 's stated commitment to creating an environment which is conducive 
to investment as stated in its report for this trade policy review.  
4.39.   We recognize Mozambique 's prioritization of investment in basic infrastructure, such as 
roads, as a major contribution both to economic growth and to improving the lives of its citizens. 
We appreciate that there is a multi -year plan for paving and expanding the road infrastructure, 
with which various development partners are assisting. We note Mozambique 's efforts to learn 
more about mechanisms to facilitate infrastructure development, such as the participation by 
government officials in two missions to Canada to study public -private partnerships models and 
best p ractices.  
4.40.   Canada also encourages Mozambique to support investment by developing a more skilled 
and literate workforce. Foreign companies are quite willing to hire locally to the maximum extent 
possible, and to provide some training specific to their needs,  but if the foundation education and 
trades training is not in place, these companies often have no choice but to bring in skilled 
employees from outside the local area.  
4.41.   We also recognize the structural transformation Mozambique needs to achieve, with eig hty 
percent of the workforce currently employed in sectors with the lowest growth rates. We applaud 
initiatives to transform the agriculture sector from subsistence to the commercial level, through 
mechanization, irrigation, research, and identifying cash crops with export potential.  
4.42.   In closing, Canada wishes Mozambique every success in benefitting from this trade policy 
review. With real GDP growth of seven percent during the current review period, and many 
promising trends and opportunities, we look forwa rd to seeing the progress made by the next 
trade policy review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.43.   We appreciate the reports of the Government of Mozam bique and the WTO Secretariat. Each 
describes the various challenges that Mozambique must overcome and the questions it must 
address in order to achieve more effective participation in the global trading system, and to use 
trade as an instrument for realizing greater economic growth and development.  
4.44.   Since Mozambique 's last trade policy review in 2009, it has continued to witness economic 
growth, averaging about 7 % since 2009, despit e a slowdown beginning in 2015.  As the 
Secretariat 's report points out, lower global demand and prices for key commodity exports like 
natural gas and coal in 2015, coupled with reductions in foreign dir ect investment and official 
development assistance have all contributed to a challenging economic environment in 
Mozambique which continues into 2017.  
4.45.   In addition, as the Secretariat 's report points out, the business environment in Mozambique 
remains chall enging. While improvements have been made and various reform efforts have been 
undertaken, we agree with the Secretariat 's report that there is significant scope to improve the 
business environment, including greater public participation in the legislative  process, reducing 
unnecessary and inefficient government bureaucra cy, and rooting out corruption.  But we also 
recognize the Government of Mozambique 's efforts to implement reforms aimed at facilitating 
trade to help boost the country 's competitiveness and  diversify its economy to the benefit of 
Mozambique and U.S. businesses alike.  
4.46.   The United States enjoys a vibrant bilateral trade relatio nship with Mozambique, with 
two-way goods trade totaling US$275 million in 2016.  Mozambique is eligible for trade prefe rences 
under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which h as been extended through 2025. In 
recent years, substantially all U.S. imports from Mozambique have  entered the United States 
duty-free, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) an d AGOA.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.47.   During the period of review, Mozambique exported a very limited number of products to the 
United States  under the provisions of AGOA. We encourage the Government of Mozambique to 
develop an AGOA utilization strategy to take better advantage of the program, as called for in the 
latest AGOA legislation.  
4.48.   In this regard, we are pleased to note our partnership with Mozambique under Trade Africa, 
which is an initiative aimed at increasing African regional trade as well as  trade with the United 
States. Under our Trade Africa partnership with Mozambique, we look forward to continuing to 
work with the Government of Mozambique to increase bilateral trade, including under AGOA, and 
to help improve Mozambique 's cap acity to boost regional trade. We are also pleas ed to note that 
the fourth United States -Mozambique Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council 
Meeting, held in November 2016, focused on these and other efforts to enhance our trade and 
investment relationship.   
4.49.   We are also pleased to note t hat Mozambique has been involved in two other major 
initiatives related to economic growth and deve lopment since the last review: the Millennium 
Challenge Account, administered by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and Feed the 
Future, the United States ' global hunger  and food security initiative. The US$507 million MCC 
compact, which concluded in 2013, helped farmers improve crop yields, formalize land titles, 
rehabilitate roads, and update  water and sanitation systems. Mozambique is also a partne r in the 
U.S. Feed the Future Initiative, which aims to decrease hunger and pover ty by improving food 
security. We look forward to our work and increased cooperation with Mozambique as it moves 
ahead to boost its food security.  
4.50.   We enthusiastically commend Mozambique 's ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA), note d in the Secretariat 's report. The TFA, which formally entered into force in 
February, will set the stage for more efficient customs and border procedures and coordination in 
Mozambique. Yet, as the Secretariat 's report points out, Mozambique continues to require the use 
of customs brokers and pre -shipments inspections, both of which we note  are prohibited under the 
TFA. We stand ready to work with Mozambique to ensure its timely i mplementation of and 
compliance with the agreement.  
4.51.   We agree with the Secretariat 's report that Mozambique 's participation in the international 
trading system remains limited.  We encourage Mozambique to continue to work towards 
establishing a transparent t rade policy process that will allow for more proactive engagement here 
in Geneva, recognizing the capacit y challenges Mozambique faces. We also encourage Mozambique 
to continue efforts to improve implementation of the WTO agreements, including the Customs 
Valuation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS), and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreements.  
4.52.   Finally, we note that African leaders at the African Union Summit in July 2016 agreed to 
finance 25 % of the cost of African Union peace support operations by imp osing a 0.2 % levy on 
selected imports. The United States wishes to reaffirm our expectation that any trade -related 
funding activity be transparent and WTO consistent.  We would encourage Mozambique to engage 
with WTO Members in Geneva about their plans for implementation, and submit a detailed, 
country -specific implementation plan to the WTO Council on Trade in Goods prior to the 
implementation of any t rade-related funding measures. We count on the support of your 
government in achieving full transparency an d upholding your WTO commitments.  
4.53.   We also want to acknowledge our appreciation for the thorough responses Mozambique has 
provided to our written questions.  
4.54.   To conclude, the United States stands ready to work with Mozambique, and appreciates the 
opportunity  to participate in this review  of Mozambique 's trade policy. We look forward to our 
dialogue with the government, both within the WTO and on a bilateral basis.  
4.55.   Thank you  and we wish you a successful Trade Policy Review.  
CHINA  
4.56.   By and large, there has been a  positive economic development during the period under 
review for Mozambique, with GDP growth averaging 6.9% between 2009 and 2015. AS one of the WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  LDCs, Mozambique should be praised for the relevant reforms and measures it has taken, such as 
to promote econ omic zones and development corridors, reduce unemployment, improve people 's 
living standards, as well as introduce rules on public -private partnerships, etc. China does believe 
that these measures are helpful to upgrade its structure of the economy. Howeve r, Mozambique is 
faced with certain constraints and challenges for its economic development as a landlocked 
country, such as a lack of infrastructure, predominance of agriculture in economy, dependence on 
foreign aids, etc. We would encourage Mozambique to  undertake further domestic reforms and 
adjustment of macroeconomic and trade policies, to trigger the endogenous growth and enhance 
economic resilience and diversification.  
4.57.   As a founding WTO Member, Mozambique remains firmly committed to the multilateral 
trading system and DDA negotiations. We appreciate Mozambique 's position of highlighting 
development as the core of DDA. China would like to further cooperate with Mozambique and other 
LDCs for a successful and early conclusion of DDA. Besides, China comme nds Mozambique 's 
improvement of its notification record and the early ratification of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement.  
4.58.   Coming to the bilateral front, China and Mozambique have established the trade agreement, 
the investment treaty, and the mechanism of Jo int Committee of Economic and Trade Cooperation. 
During the past two years, Presidents of the two countries have met each other and decided to 
upgrade our bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic partnership. More specifically, my 
Ambassador, when he acte d as the Vice Minister of Commerce, led a Chinese delegation to visit 
Maputo last year. During the visit, the two sides came to several agreements and deals for 
economic and trade cooperation, notably signing a Cooperation Framework in the agriculture area , 
based on which China and Mozambique will cooperate in developing rural areas, increasing 
farmers ' income, improving nutritious conditions, etc. We are more than willing to play a positive 
role in the process of urbanization and industrialization of Mozam bique and the whole Africa.  
4.59.   With the deepening of bilateral economic and trade development between China and 
Mozambique, Chinese enterprises wish to learn more details of Mozambican economic and trade 
policies and regulations. We would hereby thank the Moz ambican delegation for their reply to 
China 's questions, which we will go through carefully.  
4.60.   That said, I would wish the third Trade Policy Review of Mozambique a complete success.  
BRAZIL  
4.61.   It is a matter of special satisfaction for Brazil to participate in this TPR. Brazil and 
Mozambique, partners in the Community of Portuguese -Speaking Countries, share many human, 
cultural and economic ties. I take this opportunity to reiterate Brazil 's commitment to strengthen 
bilateral relations in all fields.  
4.62.   We are happ y to note Mozambique 's impressive economic growth during the review period. 
Although challenges persist, we take a very positive note of the Government 's commitment to 
pursuing macroeconomic stability, inclusive growth, rural development and poverty eradic ation.  
4.63.   Despite an increase in comparison with the previous review period, Brazil -Mozambique trade 
flows remained modest , with an average of almost US$ 100 million a year. A more positive note is 
the fact that exports to Brazil increased more than tenf old in  the period, reaching US$ 23 million in 
2016.  
4.64.   Brazil exports mainly soybean oil, poultry and machines. It imports mostly coal and tobacco. 
From 2009 to 2016, the major change in the composition of bilateral trade flows was the increase 
in coal exports from Mozambique. Considering Mozambique 's economic performance and growth 
potential, we are confident that there is a lot of scope to further increase and diversify bilateral 
trade.  
4.65.   On a specific matter, Brazil would like to refer to the decision of the Mozambi que 
Government to suspend imports of beef and chicken from Brazil in the wake of a targeted 
corruption investigation carried out by Brazilian authorities. We submitted a question in this regard 
and look forward to the answer. We expect that Mozambique coul d reconsider this decision.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.66.   Brazil is a major foreign investor in Mozambique, especially in mining and infrastructure. 
Actually, Mozambique is the one of the most important destinations for Brazilian FDI in Africa. 
According to statistics from the Central Bank of Mozambique, annual FDI flows from Br azil to 
Mozambique averaged US$ 400 million from 2009 to 2016.  
4.67.   Recognizing the mutual importance of investments in our bilateral relations, Brazil and 
Mozambique concluded a Cooperation and Investment Facilitation  Agreement (CIFA) in 2015. This 
was the first agreement signed by Brazil with a new template that focuses on promotion, 
facilitation and institutional cooperation.  
4.68.   Mozambique is also one of Brazil 's main partners for technical cooperation, with a p ortfoli o 
covering many sectors,  defined in l ine with Mozambique 's requests , particularly in the areas of 
agriculture, health and education.  
4.69.   In conclusion, we praise Mozambique 's commitment to the multilateral trading system and 
welcome its TFA ratification, as w ell as its efforts to step up notification. We thank once again the 
Government of Mozambique for the efforts put in this exercise and wish Mozambique a very 
successful and productive TPR.  
NORWAY  
4.70.   Norway 's trade with Mozambi que is modest at US$ 34.7 million i n 2016 - nevertheless an 
increase of 62.5 % compared to the previous year. We attach great priority to trade with 
developing countries, and there is a potential for strong growth in our bilateral trade with 
Mozambique. Mozambique benefits from Norway 's GSP scheme, which grants duty and quota free 
access to all products from the LDCs. Norwegian companies and institutions are showing an 
interest in Mozambique, a trend that, we hope, will continue.  
4.71.   We welcome Mozambique 's ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement earlier this year, 
an agreement we believe is especially important for LDCs. Its rapid implementation will surely 
contribute to increased trade for both Mozambique and its neighbors. We noted what was said by 
minister Tonela about the corridor an d Mozambique 's cooperation with neighboring countries.  
4.72.   Mozambique had an impressive rate of economic growth up to 2014. Falling raw material 
prices and instability contributed to a slowdown in 2015. Unfortunately, Mozambique scores low on 
World Bank Doing  Business and World Economic Forum rankings. Corruption is a major problem 
both for domestic  and international businesses. We hope that implementation of the TFA will help 
in the fight against corruption and increase transparency.  
4.73.   Mozambique has a young a nd rapidly growing population. This is simultaneously an 
opportunity and , as others have noted , a major challenge. Unless harnessed as a productive 
resource it could be a source of social and political instability. Labor -intensive manufacturing for 
export could help provide employment, but at present Mozambique has not been able to establish 
the necessary conditions for such industries.  
4.74.   Local content promotion is high on the agenda of the Government. There are extensive 
restrictions on the use of foreign pe rsonnel in businesses in Mozambique. These barriers to trade 
and investment can be very costly for development, and should be handled carefully. Regulations 
on financial transactions can also be an obstacle to trade and add on costs.  
4.75.   Norway encourages Moz ambique to pursue gradual liberalization of trade, seek control of 
inflation, actively take measures to reduce corruption and ease restrictions on the hiring of foreign 
experts.  
4.76.   Mozambique is well suited for fisheries and aquaculture, due to its 2,750 km o f coastline, 
and extensive Exclusive Economic Zone. We appreciate Mozambique 's support, as a member of 
both the ACP and the LDC group, for the multilateral negotiations on fisheries subsidies to 
implement SDG 14.6 in the WTO.  
4.77.   Norway will continue to suppo rt Mozambique 's fisheries sector. This will include offers of 
support for marine research, resource management and business development, both through WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  bilateral programmes and through regional fisheries management organizations and the FAO. We 
believe that this will contribute to conditions, which over time will enable Mozambique to become 
an exporter of seafood from responsibly managed fisheries.  
4.78.   The Secretariat report points out that Mozambique classifies fishery activities as industrial, 
semi-industrial and artisanal. According to table 4.3 artisanal fishing accounted for 90 % of total 
fish production in 2015. In our questions submitted to Mozambique, we were interested in 
receiving more information regarding the classification of artisanal fisheries. We were also 
interested in more information as to whether the government provides subsidies to the fishing 
fleet, whether industrial or artisanal, either directly or indirectly.  
4.79.   With a relatively small mission in Geneva, Mozambique has managed to remain as a ctive as 
possible in the WTO. We look forward to engaging with the Mozambique delegation in the coming 
months, not least in the field of fisheries subsidies.  
4.80.   Finally, I would like to take note of what the minister said; that Mozambique has used the 
TPR re commendations in its domestic reform process. This is how all of us should use the TPR 
process.  
4.81.   Norway looks forward to a constructive exchange of views on all aspects of Mozambique 's 
trade policy over these two days.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.82.   Korea is pleased to note that Mozambique has experienced continued economic growth 
during the review period. In particular, we welcome that Mozambique has implemented reforms in 
various fields including investment, business environment, competition policy, intellectual 
proper ty, financial and tax. We also note that Mozambique built a formal mechanism for public -
privat e dialogue on economic issues. With these efforts, we believe that Mozambique will be able 
to increase the competitiveness of industries and attract more FDI.  
4.83.   However, it is true that there remain challenges to be addressed; improving the productivity 
of main industries, diversifying the spectrum of industries, expanding transport infrastructure and 
enhancing transparency and predictability of its policies.  
4.84.   It is our hope that Mozambique will continue its reform effort s to address these challenges 
and achieve strong and sustainable economic growth.  
4.85.   Turning to the bilateral front, Korea and Mozambique have developed an economic 
relationship since their establishing diplomatic ties in 1993. During the review period, Korea 
established its embassy in Maputo in 2013. We hope that the economic partnership between the 
two countries can be further developed in the future.  
4.86.   Taking this opportunity, we would like to kindly re quest Mozambique to reconsider its policy 
on foreign investment.  
4.87.   Firstly, we hope that Mozambique would alleviate the requirements for the remittance of 
profits. Secondly, currently the validation of visa for the staffs of foreign invested companies is 
only 1 month. We ask that the validation period could be extended up to 3 months for the 
favorable business environment.  
4.88.   With regard to these requests, my delegation has submitted written questions and we look 
forward to positive answers from Mozambican Gov ernment.  
4.89.   Mozambique, as a founding Member of the WTO, has played a role in the multilateral trade 
system. In particular, we welcome that it ratified Trade Facilitation Agreement this January. We 
also appreciate its efforts on trade liberalization and regio nal economic integration during the 
review period.  
4.90.   We are confident that t hese efforts will contribute to upgrading its trade and investment 
regime, and creating new commercial opportunities for Mozambique.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.91.   With this, I would like to conclude by expressin g my thanks to the delegation of 
Mozambique for its hard work and wishing the delegation every success in its TPR.  
CHILE  
4.92.   For this review, Chile submitted seven questions on the following matters: investment 
regime, business environment, agriculture and fi sheries, trade agreements and other preferential 
initiatives, Mozambique in the WTO, the African Union and relations with the United States.  
4.93.   We congratulate Mozambique on the transparency it has shown in subjecting itself to the 
scrutiny of its peers. This  decision will, no doubt, help strengthen the system.  
4.94.   Before turning to the report, I would like to point out that in recent years, Chile's foreign 
policy has moved increasingly closer to the African continent. Various measures have contributed 
to this eff ort, such as our accreditation before the African Union; Chile's participation in the 
Africa -South America (ASA) Forum; President Michelle Bachelet's visit to various countries in the 
region, including Mozambique, in August  2014; the opening of trade offic es in Africa; the sending 
of public -private trade missions to different countries in the region; and greater resources to 
promote cooperation, technical assistance and the building of human capital.  
4.95.   Chile's strong desire to make a contribution to the objec tives of the multilateral trading 
system and improve its trade links with the African countries most in need is also reflected in trade 
in goods, specifically in the adoption by law, on 28  September  2013, of the "Duty Free, Quota 
Free" initiative, which es tablished a unilateral, non -reciprocal tariff preference regime for the 
least-developed countries (LDCs) providing for a zero rate on imports of originating goods from 
this group of countries, including Mozambique. This regime is fully operational and in f orce. In 
addition, with regard to trade in services, on 12  October  2015, Chile notified preferential treatment 
for services and service providers from the LDCs.  
4.96.   Although trade between Chile and Mozambique is limited, we are certain that it can be 
increased  in the coming years.  
4.97.   It is noted with great interest that, during the period under review, Mozambique's sound 
macroeconomic management and increasing foreign investment, inter alia , have led to annual 
average real GDP growth of 7% and relatively low infla tion, particularly at the beginning of the 
period. We have also seen how foreign investment in the extractive industries, mainly in coal and 
gas, has increased the importance of Mozambique in the global energy market. With regard to the 
regulatory framewor ks applicable to trade, we welcome the Mozambican Government's efforts to 
implement legal and regulatory reforms, for example, on technical barriers to trade, sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures, free competition, public procurement, intellectual property,  mining and 
telecommunications. We also welcome the measures taken to facilitate trade, such as the single 
window for customs clearance. We hope that these reforms will be deepened and supplemented by 
other new ones, so that they become powerful drivers th at help Mozambique achieve its 
development goals, thus improving the living conditions of all Mozambicans.  
4.98.   Despite the progress made, many challenges remain: the structural transformation of the 
Mozambican economy, reduction of the current account deficit,  diversification of the export basket, 
industrialization, increased competitiveness, improved transparency in the legislative and 
regulatory processes, modification of the tariff structure to one that promotes the diversification of 
economic activity, infr astructure development, financial inclusion and the transformation of 
farming into a modern and efficient activity.  
4.99.   With regard to these challenges, we would like to mention the contribution that Chile is 
making to Mozambique through cooperation. In partic ular, we would like to highlight 
two initiatives: the first is the establishment by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile of an 
agricultural training centre in the province of Tete which focuses on strengthening the local 
population's food security and household budgeting. This initiative is funded by the Chile Fund, a 
joint South -South cooperation mechanism established by the Government of Chile in partnership 
with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Chile). Another initiative worth notin g is 
the Nelson Mandela scholarship programme for professionals from Angola, Mozambique and 
South  Africa. This programme offers some 50 scholarships per year and covers tuition and fees, WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  medical and travel expenses for a maximum of two years. We note with great satisfaction that 
two Mozambican professionals are among the top three graduates.  
4.100.   We would like to wish Mozambique a successful conclusion to this trade policy review. 
Thank you. 
RWANDA  ON BEHALF  OF THE AFRICAN  GROUP  
4.101.   Based on the information containe d in the two Trade Policy Review reports, we wish to 
make the following comments and observations.  
1. First and foremost, we note with satisfaction that following the  last review conducted in 
April 2009, Mozambique introduced sound macroeconomic policies whic h translated into a 
more conducive trade and investment environment and enabled the country to maintain a 
relatively high growth despite persisting structural challenges. We therefore commend the 
Government of Mozambique for these reforms aiming at raising  the living standards of the 
people of Mozambique.  
2. In addition to domestic policies, Mozambique is also an important player in regional trade 
policies as well as in the multilateral trading system. The national report emphasizes that 
the multilateral tradi ng system continues to be a priority for Mozambique and that well -
functioning multilateral trade rules are essential for the efficiency of international trade and 
for the good functioning of the global economy. The report reiterates Mozambique 's 
commitment  to providing its contribution towards an early conclusion of the Doha 
Development Round and in its objective of promoting a more inclusive, equitable and 
development -oriented International Trading System. We wish to assure the Minister that we 
share these  objectives and that we are working very closely with the delegation of 
Mozambique under the leadership of H.E. Pedro Comissário Afonso, Ambassador and 
Permanent Representative of Mozambique to the UN and other international organizations in 
Geneva. Our sh ared core objective is to achieve a developmental outcome at the 11th 
Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in order to contribute to industrialization and 
structural transformation of our economies that are much needed as demonstrated by the 
information under this review.  
3. We have noted that due to the fall in commodity prices at the international market, 
Mozambique has undergone a growth deceleration reaching an average of 6.9% since 2009. 
In this regard, the report of the Secretariat notes that "Mozambiq ue shares many of the 
problems of resource -rich countries with a fragile development model excessively focused on 
extractives and major projects ". The issue of commodity dependency is common to many 
African countries and has negatively affected growth and balance of payments following the 
sharp decline in commodity prices. This situation is a wake -up call to all of us, for the urgent 
need for industrialization and structural transformation in line with the 2063 Agenda, the 
Africa we want.  
4. In this perspectiv e, we welcome a number of development strategies undertaken by 
Mozambique towards changing the structure of the economy such as the following: the 
promotion of Special Economic Zones as part of industrial strategy; development of 
corridors; upgrading the t ransport; energy development; water and communication 
infrastructure; prioritization of the Private -Public Dialogue at all levels; improving business 
services, among many others. More specifically, we note the establishment of 3 Industrial 
Free Zones, in L ocone and Nacala in 2011 and in Zambézia in 2014. We expect that these 
initiatives will make dynamic the manufacturing sector of Mozambique for technological 
development and technological catch up.  
5. Agriculture is also an important sector for Mozambique par ticularly as an employment source 
for about 80% of the population (Government report, page 3, paragraph 2.4 and Secretariat 
report page 80). We note a number of Government initiatives for increasing production and 
productivity in line with the Comprehensiv e Africa Agriculture Development Program 
(CAADP). We also note that currently, Mozambique is still a net importer of some key 
commodities with a high annual deficit, but with a clear national plan to address this 
situation. We have noted from the Secretari at report that Mozambique has been facing WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  cheap imports of some commodities which translated into unavoidable surtax rates. This 
demonstrates, once again, the importance of the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM), in 
order to protect our farmers and our agri culture development. An outcome at the MC11 on 
SSM is therefore of paramount importance in this regard. Cheap imports are also associated 
with agriculture trade distorting  subsidies that contributed for many decades in undermining 
agriculture in Africa. Th is is another important expected outcome in Buenos Aires ensuring 
that trade distorting subsidies  are substantially reduced towards their elimination in order to 
achieve the outstanding market -oriented agriculture trading system free or market price 
distor tions.  
6. Fisheries and aquaculture also present considerable potential for the economy of 
Mozambique due to its huge "Exclusive Economic Zone ". The Secretariat report informs that 
the output of Mozambique 's fisheries increased from 34,390 tonnes in 2000 to a lmost 
288,000 tonnes in 2015. We encourage Mozambique to continue supporting her artisanal 
fishing which constitutes the bulk of its fishing fleets; while protecting her EEZ from 
depletion particularly from outside large scale commercial or industrial fish ing with access 
rights. This is another area under WTO negotiations where the African Group expects 
tangible development outcome that provides clear disciplines for fisheries subsidies which 
contribute to overcapacity and overfishing and eliminate subsidie s to illegal, unreported and 
unregulated (IUU) fishing.  
4.102.   We have a lot to say on the TPR of Mozambique but we wish to end here. I take this 
opportunity to wish the delegation of Mozambique a very successful trade policy review.  
BURUNDI  
4.103.   My delegation has not ed with satisfaction that according to the reports, since the previous 
review in 2009, Mozambique has pursued macroeconomic policies that have resulted in a more 
favourable trade and investment environment which has enabled the country to maintain relative ly 
high growth despite persistent structural challenges and certain factors at the national level, 
including the fall in international prices of the country's main exports, which tends to discourage 
the expansion of production in export -oriented sectors.  
4.104.   The Mozambican economy nevertheless faces considerable challenges, which include but 
are not limited to a lack of qualified workers, a limited internal market, infrastructure 
insufficiencies, a costly business environment, limited economic diversification a nd a high 
dependency on imports.  
4.105.   On the other hand, my delegation is pleased that Mozambique's objective is to create an 
environment conducive to promoting the competitiveness of Mozambican products in international 
markets, especially those of the develop ed economies, without prejudice to the promotion of 
intra-African trade, which is considered to be an important part of its policy, with special emphasis 
on the security and protection of property rights and the establishment of special economic zones 
and export -processing zones.  
4.106.   My delegation is also pleased that Mozambique has been able to maintain an adequate 
level of growth, with the Mozambican economy, measured in terms of GDP, growing by an average 
of 6.9% or 1.1 percentage points since 2009, and that  in 2015, real GDP grew by 6.6% and 
GDP per capita was US$601.  
4.107.   Agriculture continues to be the sector which has deserved prominence in the Government's 
policies, aimed at transforming it from subsistence to commercial. Fulfilment of the objectives of 
the F ive-Year Government Programme for 2015 -2019, such as raising the employment rate to 
roughly 80%, increasing productivity and competitiveness, improving the living conditions of 
Mozambicans in rural and urban areas and promoting peace and democracy, could s timulate the 
economy and orient it towards the global market.  
4.108.   In light of the above, Burundi supports the implementation of a number of development 
strategies pursued by Mozambique to change the structure of its economy, including the 
promotion of special economic zones as part of the industrial strategy to increase production and 
productivity under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.109.   Burundi welcomes the many specific trade and investment -related measures listed to 
achieve the objec tives of the Five -Year Government Programme, which include efforts to 
strengthen international cooperation at bilateral, multilateral and regional levels, by diversifying 
products, promoting export -oriented industrialization, improving standardization and certification 
systems, maximizing local content and value -added in the processing of Mozambique's natural 
resources, establishing export -processing and special economic zones and improving the business 
environment.  
4.110.   My delegation nevertheless notes that the  WTO Secretariat report mentions that 
Mozambique's notifications to the WTO are outstanding in several areas and encourages the 
country to endeavour to provide the WTO with notifications so as to ensure transparency and 
participate in the world trade syste m. 
4.111.   My delegation encourages Mozambique to redouble its efforts to make single window 
functions operational in order to facilitate formalities during trade transactions and to strengthen 
the country's infrastructures and industrialization so that it can par ticipate in multilateral trade.  
4.112.   It also encourages Mozambique to pursue trade negotiations aimed at consolidating the 
economic integration of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the establishment 
of the Free Trade Area of the Tripartite Regi on and the Free Trade Area of the Mainland, with a 
view to deepening its trade relations in the areas of trade in goods and services.  
4.113.   Lastly, my delegation is pleased to say that bilateral relations between Burundi and 
Mozambique are longstanding and remai n solid.  
4.114.   My delegation wishes Mozambique a successful conclusion to its third trade policy review.  
ZAMBIA  
4.115.   As highlighted in the two reports as well as in the opening statements made this morning, 
it is clear that Mozambique is committed to pursuing liberal  policies and reforms aimed at 
enhancing domestic competitiveness and socio -economic development. Targeted interventions in 
key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, services including communications, 
transport and financial services through the implementation of programmes such as the Poverty 
Reduction Action Plans, promotion of Special Economic Zones, development of corridors among 
others is highly commendable.  
4.116.   These interventions have revealed positive results, for example, real annual GDP growth 
has averaged around 8% over the past two decades and around 7% during the current review 
period. Various steps taken by the Government to facilitate trade such as the launch of a single 
window system for customs clearance and other functions, the la unch of an authorized economic 
operator scheme, liberalized transit regulations, and the creation of a one -stop border post with 
South Africa have also yielded positive benefits for the country.  
4.117.   However, many challenges still remain particularly supply -side related, which require 
concerted effort at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. It is therefore my delegation 's 
expectation that this review will generate interest among Members of the WTO to continue 
supporting the country, in the areas wher e there is deficiency, especially with regard to 
infrastructure and export diversification.  
4.118.   From a bilateral perspective, as a close neighbour, Mozambique and Zambia share 
longstanding relations dating as far back as the pre -independence period. In more re cent times, 
last year to be precise, our two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a 
framework for trade cooperation. Under this framework, our two countries have pledged to 
spearhead cooperation in areas such as agriculture, with value -addition to local products being the 
main target, as well as cooperation in energy, transport and communication sectors among others.  
4.119.   Similarly, the development of the Nacala Corridor, a joint venture involving Zambia, Malawi 
and Mozambique, is another pr ogramme that has been prioritized as this provides the easiest 
gateway to accessing the Indian Ocean for our goods and services.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.120.   At the regional level, our two countries also share common regional policies through 
membership of the Southern Africa Developm ent Community (SADC) where we have continued to 
pursue important trade facilitation programmes, among many other initiatives.  
4.121.   Ton conclude, I wish to state that Mozambique has tremendous scope for progress in the 
area of trade, it is therefore important fo r the international community to continue supporting 
Mozambique in her economic reform efforts so as to bring about sustained growth and 
development. As such, successful conclusion of negotiations under the DDA remains critical to the 
growth prospects of c ountries like Mozambique. For this reason, my delegation sincerely hopes a 
solution to the current impasse in these negotiations w ill be achieved at MC11.  
4.122.   Last but not least, I once again wish to congratulate the Government of the Republic of 
Mozambique an d wish them a successful third Trade Policy R eview.  
ANGOLA  
4.123.   As you know, relations between Mozambique and Angola are more than fraternal, as our 
countries have followed the same political and historical trajectory. In the early 1960s, our peoples 
rose up ag ainst the same colonial system, gained independence in 1975 and chose the same 
political and economic models.  
4.124.   Our countries are members of the SADC and the African Union, in which we actively work 
to integrate our economies.  
4.125.   I would like to underline Mozam bique's key role in regional integration: more than 99% of 
the goods imported by Mozambique from SADC member countries are exempt from import duties. 
Mozambique also ratified the SADC Protocols on Trade in Services in 2012 and the Protocol on 
Employment an d Labour in 2014.  
4.126.   At the continental level, Mozambique is actively participating in the negotiations for the 
establishment of the Free Trade Area of the Mainland.  
4.127.   Mozambique is also very enterprising at the multilateral level. We welcome the ratification 
of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the notification of provisions in Categories A, B and C 
and the establishment of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation.  
4.128.   We also welcome Mozambique's commitment to submitting its Instrument of Acceptance of 
the Protocol of Amendment to the Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property 
Rights (TRIPS) before the Eleventh Ministerial Conference of the WTO to be held in 
December  2017.  
4.129.   Thanks to good economic governance and political stability, Mozambiq ue's economy has 
experienced significant growth, with real GDP growth averaging 8% over the past two decades.  
4.130.   The discovery of large deposits of coal and gas give the country a positive economic 
outlook and may transform Mozambique into a major player in g lobal energy markets.  
4.131.   We nevertheless note with great concern the effects of lower world commodity prices on 
the value of exports, as well as the natural disasters, such as the floods which occurred in 2016 in 
some regions and the droughts in others, that have resulted in human casualties and, to a certain 
extent, slowed economic activity in certain provinces.  
4.132.   Moreover, official development assistance has drastically decreased.  
4.133.   The Government of Mozambique has nevertheless made efforts to address these 
challenges. The implementation of the Five -Year Programme for 2015 -2019 will spur agricultural 
production and export -oriented industrialization.  
4.134.   In light of the current situation in Mozambique, Angola urges the international community 
to support all these effo rts by providing technical and financial assistance to help Mozambique WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  revitalize its economy and take greater and better advantage of opportunities to access regional 
and global markets.  
4.135.   We therefore encourage development partners to resume providing dire ct aid to the 
Mozambican Government's budget.  
4.136.   Angola wishes its sister Republic of Mozambique an excellent third trade policy review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.137.   We wish to commend Mozambique for its sound policies that led the Mozambican economy 
to grow at an average rate of 6.9% from 2009 to 2015 – well above the average in Sub -Saharan 
African countries.  
4.138.   Mauritius and Mozambique enjoy an excellent longstanding bilateral relations rooted in 
history.  
4.139.   Our bilateral cooperation is anchored on a General Framework Agreement sin ce 2004, in 
several sectors including agriculture, education, fisheries, tourism, transport, ICT, finance and 
investment, and environment.  
4.140.   Moreover, ou r two countries have common appu rtenance and share similar common 
positions in a number of regional and m ultilateral agencies, including the African Union, the ACP 
Group, SADC, IORA, Commonwealth and the World Trade Organization.  
4.141.   Mozambique is a key ally of Mauritius in the context of regional integration, for example in 
the context of the Accelerated Program me for Economic integration APEI, which is aimed to 
facilitate trade across the region and which has the potential to facilitate the emergence of regional 
supply chains, by removing barriers to trade.  
4.142.   Mauritius has, overtime, built a strong business reputa tion and is a major con tributor of 
FDI to Mozambique. Many companies operate in Mozambique with offi ce headquartered in 
Mauritius. Mauritian business companies have invested in the poultry and banking sectors in 
Mozambique.  
4.143.   With the Mauritius -Mozambique Bi lateral Air Services A greement (BASA) signed in 
March  2014, Air Mauritius is now flying to Maputo since May 2016. The expected growth in the 
Mozambican economy this year and in the future means that there are prospects for increased 
business and tourism be tween our two countries.  
4.144.   We also hope that with the re -establishment of air connectivity between our two countries, 
our bilateral trade will be boosted through the movement of goods and people.  
4.145.   As both Mauritius and Mozambique have vast Exclusive Economic Zones, there is a lot of 
potential for cooperation with a view to developing our oce an economy, based on fisheries.  The 
Mauritius delegation would urge the Mozambican delegation to expedite matters regarding the 
Economic Protocol on Fisheries given that th e main thrust of the Protocol relates to terms and 
conditions for access to fishing big pelagic fish such as tuna, which are mi gratory species in our 
waters.  
4.146.   The Mauritius delegation looks forward to work closely with the Mozambican delegation to 
eliminate  fisheries subsidies which contribute to overfishing as well as illegal, unreported and 
unregulated fishing in our waters.  
4.147.   The Mauritius delegation urges the Mozambique delegation to expedite matters in respect 
of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement b etween our two countries so that we may further 
enhance our economic ties and investment.  
4.148.   Finally, the Mauritius delegation looks forwa rd to working closely with the d elegation of 
Mozambique as we head to important discussions at the WTO with a view to re aching positive 
outcomes for MC11.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.149.   My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Rwanda on behalf of the African 
Group.  
4.150.   In conclusion, my delegation wishes the Mozambican delegation a successful review of its 
trade policy.  
GUYANA  
4.151.   The Governme nt of Guyana commends the reforms pursued by Mozambique since its 
second TPR in 2009. Guyana specifically recognizes the development strategy initiatives pursued 
by Mozambique directed at promoting industrialization, reducing unemployment, improving living  
standards and the modernization of its trade -related infrastructure.  
4.152.   Guyana notes that the inevitable contributions of these reforms to the results characterized 
by the real annual GDP growth rate of 7% during the current review period as stated in the 
Secretariat report.  
4.153.   We would also like to commend Mozambique on enacting its first Competition law provision 
in 2013 as part of an important step in establishing a modern legal framework on Competition 
Policy; further, we commend the efforts made to facilita te trade by launching a single window 
system for customs clearance and other functions and also note the efforts made to reform the 
Procurement regime that makes provisions for increased transparency in the Procurement Process.  
4.154.   Like Guyana, the recent disc overy of gas has the potential to transform the country into a 
significant player in global energy markets. We note the efforts being made by Mozambique to 
effectively manage the extractive industries and we encourage them to continue doing so. We 
ourselve s have taken steps to manage our own emerging oil industry by creating a Sovereign 
Wealth Fund and have recently submitted an application for membership in the Extractive 
Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). We recommend that Mozambique take similar steps in 
this regard if they have not done so already.  
4.155.   To reinforce and deepen the many reforms and their positive outcomes realized by 
Mozambique since the last review, we note that Mozambique still has a substantial need for 
technical assistance and capa city building aimed at addressing its supply -side constraints, 
technical capacity constraints, infrastructural challenges and notification challenges. These are 
some of the many challenges which are common among other LDCs and developing countries all of 
which assistance under the "WTO Aide for Trade Initiative " ought to address.  
4.156.   The Government of Guyana would like to once again congratulate Mozambique on the 
progress that has been made since the last review and we recommend that the country continue 
develo ping and implementing the various reforms aimed at diversifying the economy, developing 
its trade -related infrastructure and legislative framework in a manner  that is consistent with WTO 
rules and other international obligations in order to improve the soc ial and economic wellbeing of 
the people of Mozambique.  
4.157.   The Government of Guyana extends its full and continuous support to the Republic of 
Mozambique during its third Trade Policy R eview.  
CABO  VERDE  
4.158.   My delegation associates itself with the statement made by Rwanda on behalf of the 
African  Group.  
4.159.   As the report clearly indicates, the Mozambican economy is currently going through a 
difficult phase following a long period of expansion. The main challenges are therefore managing 
to turn this situation into a le ver for structural changes to the economy and overcoming the 
related and underpinning constraints, and putting productive investment back on track. At the 
same time, the path to be followed is clear and the political will seems strong, which bodes well for  
success in the long term.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.160.   While diversification must be widespread and industrialization seems to be a priority in this 
regard, we draw attention to the key role played by agricultural development and rural 
development in general, which are vital to comba ting poverty and ensuring food security, 
employment and entrepreneurship. Strategic planning of the relationship between the 
development of agriculture and the development of industry and a potentially booming tourist 
industry would certainly be a multifac eted asset for reducing the country's economic vulnerability.  
4.161.   We believe that the substance of the reports prepared as part of this review exercise may 
prove to be of significant value to Mozambique, which demonstrates remarkable self -analysis and 
a remark able sense of direction. In its written statement, the Government clearly explains its 
priorities, which are extensive indeed, in terms of technical assistance activities. We trust that the 
country's international partners, including the WTO, will not let Mozambique down in this regard, 
as the transformation of the country's economy and the accompanying programme of reforms is at 
stake.  
4.162.   Cabo Verde wishes Mozambique, its sister country, every success in this review and in its 
effort to follow with determinat ion and persistence the path to diversification through increased 
competitiveness and the development of country's considerable potential.  
LESOTHO  
4.163.   The trade policy of Mozambique, a founding Member of the African Union, and a fellow 
SADC Member is indeed of  great importance to us. Mozambique and Lesotho share common 
aspirations for the free movement of persons and goods and services within the SADC region. This 
has been evidenced by the signing of mutual exemption of VISA requirements between Lesotho 
and Moz ambique in 2009. We believe that it is through the free movement of people that the free 
movement of capital, goods and services can also be realized. While the volume of trade between 
Lesotho and Mozambique remains very low there is a great potential whic h could significantly 
contribute in integration within the African regional value chains.  
4.164.   Shifting to specifics,  we acknowledge the robust measures that Mozambique has taken 
since the last review in an effort to achieve structural transformation and diver sification of the 
economy through industrialization. These measures include amongst others, trade -related 
legislations and regulations in the crucial areas of public –private partnerships, intellectual property 
rights, investment, customs procedures, mining , petroleum, incentives. These and many other 
initiatives such as the establishment of Industrial Free Trade Zones(IFZs) and Special Economic 
Zone (SEZ); bear testimony to the resolve of the Government of Mozambique to fully unleash the 
economic potential of this great country which is endowed with rich mineral resources.  
4.165.   At the multilateral level, we wish to commend Mozambique for her commitment to the 
rules-based multilateral trading system. We note with satisfaction that Mozambique has not only 
ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement but has notified all provisions of Categories A, B and 
C. Moreover, Mozambique also established the National Committee for Trade Facilitation. We also 
noted that in the period under review Mozambique launched a Single E lectronic Window System 
for customs clearance and other functions. Mozambique also launched an authorized economic 
operator scheme; liberalized transit regulations; and created a one -stop border post with South 
Africa. We find the public -private partnershi p model of the Single Window System in which, its 
ongoing costs are financed through a network charge levied on the customs declarations it 
processes, very much creative and indeed worthy of emulating. We are also gratified to recognize 
the impact of the S ingle Window in reducing the time taken to export from 26 days to 6 days and 
required steps in the customs clearance processes reduced from 32 to 7.  
4.166.   We take note of the progressive efforts made by Mozambique indicating to her acceptance 
of the protocol of Amendment on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) 
before the Eleventh Ministerial Conference (MC11) to take place in December 2017.  
4.167.   The successes which Mozambique has achieved in its trade policies are positive, however, 
we are cog nizant of the enormous challenges which Mozambique continues to grapple with like 
other African LDCs. The country remains vulnerable to exogenous shocks, for instance, as 
illuminated in the Secretariat r eport where the country 's economic performance in 201 5 
decelerated in great measure due to the decline in global commodity prices, weak growth among WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  her trading partners, and the effects of regional drought. Strengthening and accelerating 
international support measures to Mozambique therefore remains a cardi nal issue. Like other 
LDCs, Mozambique is eligible to benefit from unilateral preferences offered by various WTO 
Members but has not been able to fully benefit from these preferences. This further calls for 
support in building productive capacities to bene fit from preferences and participate in Regional 
Value Chains.  
4.168.   In this regard, we wish to echo Mozambique 's clarion call for more support in the areas 
that have been identified.  
4.169.   Finally, my delegation wishes the Governm ent of Mozambique a successful Trade  Policy 
Review.  
BENIN 
4.170.   Benin associates itself with the statements made by Rwanda on behalf of the African Group 
and by Cambodia on behalf of the LDC Group.  
4.171.   In spite of the difficult economic situation faced by Mozambique, resulting in the fall in 
prices of  its main exports, as well as the effects of climate change (the drought and floods in 
various regions of the country), economic growth in Mozambique stood at 7% during the period 
under review. Such growth was made possible by firm macroeconomic management , the 
significant influx of foreign direct investments which are closely related to imports, and the support 
of development partners. Moreover, trade in goods and services accounted for over 100% of GDP.  
4.172.   Various structural reforms implemented by Mozambique , such as the agricultural reform, 
the reform on competition in the manufacturing sector and the tax and budgetary reform have 
helped the country to achieve economic and trade results.  
4.173.   With regard to multilateral trade, Mozambique has based its strategy on  objectives aiming 
to facilitate its industrialization process, the creation of value chains, the diversification of exports, 
and the reduction of the country's dependency on commodities.  
4.174.   The delegation of Benin would like to encourage Mozambique to contin ue its efforts to 
diversify and restructure its economy.  
4.175.   It welcomes Mozambique's commitment to the multilateral trading system, which has 
resulted in the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, as well as in several regional, 
sub-regional and bi lateral agreements to which the country is party.  
4.176.   The delegation of Benin invites development partners to support Mozambique's efforts to 
develop its socio -economic infrastructures and transportation and to realize its great potential, 
particularly in the energy, mining and tourism sectors.  
4.177.   It hopes that the efforts, initiatives and reforms undertaken by Mozambique in an 
economic environment marred by external factors will yield results that support inclusive 
sustainable development.  
4.178.   The delegation of Benin  thanks the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Mozambique 
for their highly informative reports relating to the current trade policy review of Mozambique.  
4.179.   It wishes Mozambique a successful conclusion to its trade policy review.  
INDIA  
4.180.   We note from the Sec retariat 's report that during the period under review the GDP of 
Mozambique grew at  an average rate of around 7%. We also note that the challenges being faced 
by Mozambique include addressing socio -economic development issues, poverty alleviation, limited 
internal markets, challenges related to infrastructure development, increasing debt levels and 
limited structural  transformation of the economy.  We commend the Government of Mozambique 
for taking various measures and making efforts to address these challen ges including WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  implementing the Poverty Reduction Action Plans, strengthening legislation for promoting 
investment, progress on the macroeconomic front including fiscal and monetary policies, 
addressing inflation and reforms in the financial and tax sectors  of the economy.  
4.181.   India and Mozambique enjoy warm, cordial and close re lation. Our Prime Minister visited 
Mozambique in July 2016 which has further strengthened the multifacete d ties between both 
countries. The bilateral trade between India and Mozambique g rew rapidly from 2010 onwards 
however, there was a decline in 2015 -16 mainly on account of falling prices of petroleum a nd fall 
in exports from India. There is potential for expanding trade ties between both countries in areas 
including petroleum products,  pharmaceuticals, textiles, electrical go ods, machinery and 
automobiles.  
4.182.   Mozambique has also emerged as a leading investment destination for Indian investors 
with almost a quarter of India 's total FDI in Africa  being directed to Mozambique. There are large  
growing Indian investments in the coal and natural gas sectors in Mozambique with the presenc e 
of leading Indian companies.  
4.183.   Under  the Development Partnership Co-operation,  India has extended Lines of Credit to 
the Government of Mozambique:  
 Until 2010 Indi a offered a line of credit worth US$ 140 million to Mozambique for projects in 
areas including rural electrification, drinking water supply, technology and innovation;  
 During the visit of President of Mozambique to India in 2 010 an additional amount of 
US$500 million was pledged under which a number of projects were taken up subsequently 
including projects for food security, new and renewable energy developm ent and drinking 
water supply. The larger projects include a US$ 250 million project for improving powe r 
supply in Ma puto and surrounding areas; US$ 149 million for construction of road in Sofala 
province and US$ 47 million for construction of 1200 houses in three provinces in 
Mozambique.  
4.184.   For capacity building in human resources , India has also been regularly  offering slots to 
professionals from Mozambique under India 's Technical Economi c Cooperation (ITEC) programme.  
4.185.   Mozambique is blessed with abundant natural resources including cultivable land, coal and 
natural gas, fisheries, forestry and minerals and has tremendous potential for growth. To conclude, 
we look forward to working closely with the authorities of Mozambique for further expanding and 
harnessing the vast potential of our trade and inves tment ties for mutual benefit. We wish the 
delegation of Mozam bique a  productive and successful TPR.  
CAMBODIA  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.186.   We would like to highly commend Mozambique for having undertaken a number of 
significant initiatives and reforms  during the period under review aimed at creating a more 
conducive tr ade and investment environment for the country. These reforms target improved 
economic and social development that is profitable for the population.  
4.187.   In this context, Mozambique prepared Poverty Reduction Action Plans with five -year 
periods and has implemen ted the third phase of these Action Plans over 2011 -2014.  
4.188.   From the point of view of investment, Mozambique aims to ensure that all forms of private 
investments are oriented to contribute to sustainable economic and social development of the 
country. To pro mote these types of investments, Mozambique focus on security and protection of 
property rights, the establishment of special economic zones and export processing zones, the 
possibility of receiving and reimbursing foreign loans, as well as other initiativ es. Mozambique also 
seeks to improve the competitiveness of its enterprises by strengthening a public -private dialogue 
and, in particular, by facilitating the licensing of the private sector activities, which should promote 
economic growth. Mozambique has , in this context , established in 2013 a Competition Regulatory 
Authority.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.189.   With regard to agriculture, which is still a priority in Mozambique 's Government policies, a 
strategic plan for the development of agriculture was approved for the period 2011 -2020, with the 
aim of supporting food security and of achieving agricultural growth of around 7% per year. 
Mozambique also wants to evolve through a commercial, productive and competitive agriculture 
that is capable of exporting at the same time as attracting in vestments.  
4.190.   Finally, Mozambique has engaged in financial and fiscal reforms aimed at modernizing the 
financial system, promoting microfinance institutions and providing better services to SMEs. A 
gradual increase in tax revenues is sought, as well as a simp lification of the tax regime and an 
expansion of the tax base.  
4.191.   Despite a period of global economic slowdown covering the period under review, 
Mozambique maintained an adequate level of growth, averaging 6.9%, which is above the 
continent average. This has been possible, in particular, through sound macroeconomic policies 
and reforms choices.  
4.192.   Future challenges include strengthening the country 's infrastructure and industrialization. 
These issues are common to all LDCs. Mozambique seems to have taken a proact ive approach on 
these issues by approving a programme for the road sector and by establishing political and 
strategic policies for the industrialization of the country over the period 2016 -2025.  
4.193.   The LDC Group wishes Mozambique continued success in its i nitiatives and as part of this 
Trade Policy R eview.  
SOUTH  AFRICA  
4.194.   South Africa associates itself with the statement delivered by Rwanda on behalf of the 
Africa n Group.  
4.195.   South Africa welcomes the delegation of Mozambique led by the Minister of Trade and 
Industry : Minister Ernesto Tonela, on this occasion of its third Trade Policy Review. We agree with 
Mozambique that the periodic reviews of trade policy are a key element of the multilateral trading 
system embodied in the WTO that contributes to a more transparent  and comprehensive 
understanding of a member`s trade policies and practices and other legal frameworks that 
regulate trade.  
4.196.   Relations between South Africa and Mozambique are close,  we are neighbo rs and our 
cooperation covers defense, energy, mineral resour ces, tourism, transport, communications, 
science and technology. Trade and investment flows continue to grow between the two countries 
as Mozambique is amongst South Africa 's top five trading partners in the SADC region. South 
African companies have invest ed across a broad spectrum of sectors in Mozambique.   
4.197.   South Africa and Mozambique have signed a bilateral agreement on combined border 
control posts. The agreement is for the establishment of a comb ined border post at the 
Lebombo -Ressano Garcia border cro ssing along the Maputo Corridor. It is intended to reduce 
border processing times along the Maputo Corridor (the N4), reduce logistics costs, while 
eliminating operational and enforcement gaps associated with conventional border crossings.  
4.198.   South Africa has  noted various reforms introduced by Mozambique, including in the areas 
of trade, economic regulations and policy, most notably the Poverty Reduction Action Plans. We 
commend Mozambique for such programmes which are intended to create a more conducive trad e 
and investment environment as well as predictability. The Mozambique economy has been affected 
by the global economic prolonged downturn including the fall in international prices of the 
country`s main export products, drought and floods. Nevertheless, r obust economic growth was 
achieved during the period under review - between 2009 and 2016 Mozambique recorded an 
average economic  growth rate of 7%. Sound macro economic management, foreign investment, 
political stability and donor support have been some of  the factors instrumental to such growth.  
4.199.   Mozambique has also released various development strategy documents, with different 
focus areas. Their trade policy objectives and strategy aim to create an environment conducive to 
promoting the competitiveness of  Mozambican products in international markets. Mozambique WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  imports consist of a large scale of manufactured goods mainly mega projects imports related to 
foreign direct investments;  other imports include foodstuffs, agricultural products, fuel and mining 
products. The export basket of Mozambique is rather limited including in agriculture exports, 
however, we have noted that Mozambique is diversifying its e xports with the increase of 
non-traditional value chains, and to promote value addition in various secto rs. 
4.200.   To assist their efforts to diversify, an objective shared by our region, we have all agreed to 
the SADC Industrialization strategy. The focal point of the SADC Industrialization Strategy is 
participation in regional and global value chains. The strateg y sets out three Resource -Based 
Industrialization (RBI) preferred growth paths towards industr ialization in the region – 
agro-processing, minerals beneficiation and industry and service -driven value chains.  
4.201.   The Regional Strategy in SADC is driven by nation al development strategies, visions and 
plans and primarily by the SADC Treaty, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 
(RISDP), SADC protocols and specifically by the Industrial Development Policy Framework (IDPF). 
It is also informed by African  Union 's Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa and Agenda 
2063.  
4.202.   As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), we would like to 
highlight that Mozambique has completed the transition period for the full implementation of the 
Free Trade Area in 2015, the SADC protocol on Trade in Services was ratified in 2012. Mozambique 
is also a member of the European Union -Southern African Development Community Economic 
Partnership Agreement (EU -SADC EPA) signed in June 2016.  
4.203.   In all , South Afric a commends Mozambique for the policies and strategies form ulated to 
assist in the country 's industrialization process, which will contribute to the reduction of the 
country 's dependence on primary products and positive economic growth.  
4.204.   South Africa wishes  Mozambique a succes sful conclusion of their third T rade Policy R eview.  
SWAZILAND  
4.205.   My delegation notes with much contentment that in the period under review , the economy 
of Mozambique grew at rates of about 7 % and even after the economy decelerated due to f alling 
international commodity prices, unrealized potential in the extractive sectors and the drying up of 
international finance and donor support; the economy still recorded a steady growth rate of 6.6 % 
in 2015. These figures are particularly impressive a nd enviable when juxtaposed with oth er 
sub-Saharan  countries that grew at an average of 4.8 % in the same period, further remarkable, 
when many of its immediate neighbours were growing at rates of less than 2 %. This sustained 
activity has been the result of  sound and prudent macroeconomic policies t hat have stabilized the 
economy , streamlined its investment incentives and kept inflation at sustainable levels.  
4.206.   My delegation would like t o congratulate and commend the G overnment of Mozambique for 
the proactive  and far reaching reforms it has undertaken in its tax regime. These reforms are 
necessary in any modern economy to not only improve the business environment and attract FDI, 
but also to broaden the base from which G overnment collects the taxes needed for vital poverty 
reduction , domestic investment and social security programmes.  
4.207.   My delegation, moreover, commends the G overnment of Mozambique for complying with 
its obligation s under the SADC Trade Protocol , especially in completing tariff liberalization fo r all 
SADC Members within the stipulated transitional period. A substantive 99.6 % of duties on goods 
imported into Mozambique from SADC Countries are at zero.  As a fellow SADC member and close 
neighbour, Swaziland looks forward to working with Mozambique i n deepening this regional 
integration to Trade in Services and other critical areas of co -operation, such as investment and 
procurement.  
4.208.   Trade facilitation in any regional integration initiative is critical and my delegation 
commends the government for it s ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and further 
reinforcing this commitment by implementing the single window system for customs clearance, 
authorized economic operator scheme and the one stop border post with South Africa. Given that 
Mozamb ique accounts for 70 % of SADC 's transit traffic and provides transportation corridors for WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  both importers and exporters; it plays a crucial role in regional trade. In this respect, my 
delegation wishes to encourage the G overnment of Mozambique to push ahead  with further trade 
facilitation reforms such as the elimination of pre -shipment inspection and the compulsory use of 
customs brokers for all commercial import s, exports and goods in transit . 
4.209.   In addition, although my delegation remains supportive of effort s to create policy space, 
we nevertheless encourage Mozambique to review some of her trade related regulations and to 
bring them in line with its WTO Commitments, as we are concerned that these fall outside  the 
scope of GATT Articles III , V and XI. These i nclude among others, the surcharges on imported 
sugar, indiscriminate scanning charges as well as the cross -border charges for foreign trucks 
entering or transiting Mozambique.  
4.210.   In closing, my delegation acknowledges the mammoth task that lies ahead for the  
Government of Mozambique to achieve an inclusive, sustainable and transparent management of 
its abundant natural resourc es, and are heartened that the G overnment 's medium term reform 
agenda emphasizes the need to focus on strengthening capacity to better manage the country 's 
extractive industries for the achievement of their explicit development and poverty reduction 
goals.  
4.211.   My delegation wishes ongoing success as you continue to implement elements of your 
trade and economic reform agenda, and we hope for a  most successful Trade Policy Review.  
ZIMBABWE  
4.212.   My delegation is delighted to note that during the p eriod under review, Mozambique has 
been one of the fastest growing economies in the region and the country achieved a robust 
economic growth avera ging about 6.9% per year since 2009, underpinned by grow th in the 
extractive industry. Until recently, this robust growth was made possible by sound macroeconomic 
management, a number of large scale foreign investment projects, relative political stability  and 
signif icant donor support.  Inflation was kept low, at one digit level during a greater part of the 
period under review. I wish to highly commend Mozambique for this great achievement.  
4.213.   We welcome more reforms that are being implemented in the agriculture sector t o increase 
production and productivity of food crops. There are also reforms on the financial sector, tax 
system and monetary policies.  
4.214.   Mozambique is richly endowed with mineral and agricultural resources however, due to low 
levels of value addition the ex port base is limited to a few extractive products which account for 
about 63% of total exports, whilst main imports are of manufactured goods. We encourage 
Mozambique to add value to its commodities and diversify the economy in order to increase 
exports of  value added products and be able to cushion it from external shocks.  
4.215.   At regional level, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are both members of SADC which 
established a Free Trade Area in 2008. Mozambique is a regional transit hub and handles 70% of 
transit goods in the SADC. The geographical advantage of Mozambique could be capitalized further 
by the SADC region if more investments are made in infrastructure development. To this end, I 
call upon the development partners and donor members/countries to avail mo re resou rces towards 
Mozambique 's infrastructural development p rogram mes. 
4.216.   At bilateral level, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have enjoyed a long history of friendly 
economic, social and political ties. Zimbabwe and Mozambique 's Trade Agreement came into effect 
in 2005 an d total trade between the two countries grew by 64% in favour of Zimbabwe, since 
2012. M ozambique is currently Zimbabwe 's second largest trading partner. Total trade , however , 
declined from US$725 million to US$579 million between 2014 and 2015 and experie nced a 
further decline to US$430 million in 2016.  
4.217.   Major exports from Zimbabwe to Mozambique o ver the last five years include  beverages, 
timber, cotton, tobac co, peanut butter, vegetables, a range of minerals whilst major imports from 
Mozambique incl ude wheat, fertilizers, maize, rice clinker, tallow, palm oil ,soya bean cake and 
electricity.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.218.   A significant number of Zimbabwean companies that are operating in Mozambique are in 
the construction, printing, clothing manufacture and logistics sectors, amongst oth ers. There are 
great opportunities in Mozambique for agro processing, manufacturing of soaps, cooking oil and 
dairy products, metal fabrication, supply of educational services and joint ventures in mining.  
4.219.   Mozambique has made progress in reducing bureaucra tic and infrastructural bottlenecks 
that affect investors . However, there is room for improvement especially on some specialized  
business licensing procedures for the construction industry.  
4.220.   We hope that Mozam bique will continue to address  trade barriers re garding lengthy and 
costly customs clearance procedures at borders, multiple police inspections and controls for goods 
in transit and high costs resulting from use of customs brokers. Zimbabwe and Mozambique need 
to extend the hours of business at the bord ers in order to speed up clearance of commercial 
goods.  
4.221.   We commend the Mozambican d elegation in Geneva for their positive contribution towards 
the success of the Multilateral Trading System and welcome the country 's ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement. We hope that implementation of this agreement  will eliminate some of the 
non-tariff barriers.  
4.222.   Lastly, I wish Mozambique a successful Trade Policy Review.  
PAKISTAN  
4.223.   Despite the challenges faced by it, like other resource rich developing countries,  
Mozambique 's economy has grown rapidly since 1992. Real annual GDP growth averaged around 
8% over the past two decades and around 7% during the current review period. This was made 
possible largely by astute macroeconomic management.  
4.224.   Pakistan appreciates the fact that strong growth has been supported by FDI inflows in 
extractive industries. Major discoveries of coal and gas may transform Mozambique into a 
significant player in global energy markets. FDI reached between US$5 billion and US$6 billion in 
2012 and 2013 and was estimated at US$4.9 billion in 2014, or around one third of GDP.  
4.225.   Pakistan appreciate s the reforms initiated by the G overnment for changing the structure of 
the economy through industrialization with a view to ensuring economic growth, red uced 
unemployment and improved living standards. This has been coupled with a new Competition law, 
which should further improve the investment climate. We also appreciate the various steps that 
have been taken to facilitate trade. T hese include the launch of a single window system for 
custom s clearance and other functions;  the launch of an authorized economic operator scheme; 
liberalized transit regulati ons; and the creation of a one -stop border post with South Africa.  
4.226.   Pakistan has noted that even though th ere has been movement in the services sector of 
Mozambique, yet, there are some limitations, for example, the telecom sector is constrained by a 
weak fixed telecoms network and a relatively strong mobile network. Similarly, there has been a 
significant lev el of liberalization in the Mozambican banking services market, but this has not 
translated into increased affordability and availability of banking products. Access to finance 
remains an obstacle to improving Mozambique 's investment climate. Mozambique ha s inadequate 
transport infrastructure compared to  other countries in the world. Mozambique also has significant 
potential in tourism based on its range of beach holiday products, ecotourism, cultural diversity, 
and extensive coastline. If the limitations a re addressed there remains tremendous potential for 
further growth of Mozambique economy.  
4.227.   Pakistan wishes Mozambique a very fruitful and successful TPR.  
CHAD  
4.228.   Chad associates itself with the statements made by Cambodia on behalf of the LDC Group 
and by Rwa nda on behalf of the African Group.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.229.   Chad highly appreciates the WTO's commitment to supporting Mozambique's efforts over 
the past few years to create conditions that are conducive to the development of trade and 
investment with a view to ensuring sustainab le development.  
4.230.   My delegation welcomes the considerable efforts made by Mozambique, notably in 
regularly updating its schedule of commitments, acceding to several regional and multilateral 
agreements, undertaking ceiling bindings that are far from negligib le, strengthening the legal and 
institutional framework for coherent and sound policy -making and diversifying in terms of goods 
and export markets. All of this helps strengthen the transparency and predictability of its trade 
regime, its economy and the mu ltilateral trading system.  
4.231.   Chad welcomes Mozambique's vision of free trade through its ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement, the establishment of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation, and its 
commitment to meeting notification requireme nts and fulfilling its WTO obligations. Like other 
African countries, Mozambique's enormous potential in terms of natural resources and its young 
population provide it with an extraordinary opportunity to attract and benefit from foreign direct 
investment.  
4.232.   In spite of infrastructure insufficiencies, limited access to funding and structural challenges, 
Mozambique has made enormous efforts to create a significant boost for trade and the multilateral 
trading system. My delegation encourages Mozambique to conti nue its efforts and calls upon the 
community of technical and financial partners to support the country in implementing its economic, 
trade and sustainable development policies. Chad wishes Mozambique a successful conclusion to 
its third trade policy revie w. 
SOLOMON  ISLANDS  
4.233.   Solomon  Islands wishes to congratulate  Mozambique for its third Trade Policy Review.  
4.234.   Both the national report of Mozambique and Secretariat report highlighted significant 
domestic reform initiatives undertaken by Mozambique during the re view period, with the overall 
objective of improving the lives of the people of Mozambique. Notable in these reforms is the 
formulation and implementation of its Poverty Reduction Action Plan.  
4.235.   To improve the business and investment environment, Mo zambique has undertaken 
reforms  which saw the establishment of Industrial Free Zones and Special Economic Zones which 
provide incentive package for investors. Both these reforms are geared towards Mozambique 's 
vision of achieving industrialization, a key strategy o f moving away from commodity -base 
production and exports.  
4.236.   The promulgation of its first historic Competition Law in 2013 is commendable. Once the 
Competition Regulatory Authority is operational , the regulations are expected to strengthen and 
foster public -private dialogue and provide level playing field for private sector to do business.  
4.237.   Solomon Islands also acknowledge t he reform programmes that the G overnment of 
Mozambique is embarking on in the Financial and Tax sector, particularly its efforts to simpli fy and 
modernize its tax regime, including customs processes. These reforms are vital not only to 
encourage economic and trade activities but also to improve reven ue collection in order for the 
Government to provide the necessary services to its people.  
4.238.   As LDCs, both Solomon Island s and Mozambique face similar development and trade 
challenges. These challenges stem from their unique economic, social and political circumstances. 
The Secretariat report noted the various challenges face by Mozambique such as l ack of capacity, 
infrastructure inefficiency, narrow tax base, limited diversification, costly business environment 
and high dependency on imports.  
4.239.   Mozambique would need the support and capacity -building assistance from the WTO 
Members and its development partners to address these challenges.  
4.240.   As an LDC, Mozambique would need the appropriate flexibilities in WTO rules for it to chart 
its way to meet its development objectives.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  4.241.   Solomon Islands wish  the delegation of Mozambique a successful TPR.  
UNIDO  
4.242.   UNIDO 's cooperation with Mozambique dates back to the early 1980s. Since then, we have 
implemented over 100 projects addressing a variety of industrial development priorities ranging 
from quality infrastructure, over human resource development to strengthening th e technological 
capabilities of SMEs in different industrial and agro -industrial sectors.  
4.243.   Over the years, Mozambique has been prioritizing trade, economic growth and private 
sector development as the requisite factors for sustainable development and povert y alleviation. 
As has been noted during the review, one of the major challenges facing Mozambique is enhanced 
competitiveness and access to global markets.  
4.244.   In response to this challenge, UNIDO has been providing assistance to the country since 
2012 in the area of quality infrastructure. The just concluded project "Competing with quality " 
aimed at strengthening institutional and human capacities related to standards, metrology, testing 
and quality assurance. The assistance included support in the formulation  of policy documents, 
technical support to testing laboratories to allow them assess, in an internationally recognized 
manner, the quality of products against international standards, but also supporting private 
enterprises to apply international standards , in the area of quality management and food safety. In 
general terms, the project increased the quality of Mozambican products and services, essential for 
the country 's exports and important for local consumption. In more concrete terms, I would wish 
to mention that as a result of the projects: (i) the National Institute for Standardization was 
accredited for Management System Certification (ISO 9001); (ii) that 9 laboratories were 
supported towards accreditation; and that (iii) over 20 companies have been  supported in the 
implementation of international standards, in particular ISO 9001, quality management system.  
4.245.   The project is considered a success and we look forward to further working with the 
Government and partners in strengthening the business enviro nment and enhancing the 
competitiveness of the country 's agro -industry and industrial sector.  
4.246.   In terms of future cooperation, I would wish to mention that the Government of 
Mozambique and UNIDO have recently concluded a comprehensive programme of technical  
cooperation for the next five years. The Country Programme focuses on 3 components:  
1. Supporting the implementation of the industrial policy and related strategies by 
strengthening, inter alia , institutional capacities for competitiveness analysis, industri al 
statistics and supporting Mozambique 's industrial parks programme  
2. Promotion of an enabling environment for business facilitation and enterprise 
competitiveness by further strengthening the Quality Infrastructure, strengthening business 
facilitation and company licensing, by promoting private investment through business 
partnerships and linkages, and by facilitating technology transfer, strengthening industrial 
skills and innovation in priority sectors.  
3. A third component is related to promoting energy acc ess and environmental management.  
4.247.   I would like to close by extending UNIDO 's gratitude to the Government and our  partners  
in Mozambique for years of fruitful cooperation and the trust shown in UNIDO.  
4.248.   We wish the delegation a succ essful conclusion of the th ird Trade Policy R eview.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF MOZAMBIQUE  AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS 
5.1.  First of all, let me take this opportunity to deeply thank you, Madame Chair, for the excellent 
and most productive manner in which you have been conducting this important review exercise.  
5.2.  I express my great appreciation to His Excellence Ambassador Christopher Ony anga Aparr, in 
his capacity as d iscussant, for the insightful comments and observations.  
5.3.  My profound gratitude is extended to all participants, especial ly those who have made 
statements during the first day of our proceedings. I wish to assure you that your valuable 
remarks and contributions will be taken fully into account by Mozambique.  
5.4.  As we said on the first day, your attendance of this Mozambique Thi rd Trade Policy Review is 
a clear testimony of your interest in seeing our country making progress towards a stronger and 
sustainable development.  
5.5.  We recognize that WTO M embers have submitted a number of important questions deriving 
from their under standin g of the content of our r eport. I will now have the honour to address them.  
5.6.  On notification issues: i n order to comply with this obligation, Mozambique has designated a 
National Notification Authorities and National Enquiry Points. There is a need for the strengthening 
of these bodies so as to better manage the notification process as we are still facing weak 
coordination and monitoring system.  
5.7.  Assistance from our partners in training and capacity building in this area would be most 
welcome.  
5.8.  We shall cont inue to encourage our trade officials from different Governments institutions to 
attend and benefit from the WTO online training. Given the urgency in solving this issue, it is our 
considered view that specific and dedicated training in the country, in the  form of in house 
training, should be provided by the WTO.  
5.9.  This would allow for an  assessment and updating action  to be taken in relation to the 
outstanding notifications, and help the country to regularly report to the WTO Secretariat on the 
issue.  
5.10.   Custom s logistics: Mozambique is aware that this issue is critical for its development as well 
as for the economies of the SADC region, in particular the landlocked ones that use Mozambique 
as a transit corridor for their international trade.  
5.11.   We, therefore, rec ognize th e need to speed up the process o f reducing bureaucratic and 
infrastructural bottlenecks that affect investors, especially on some specialized business licensing, 
clearance procedures at borders, multiple inspections and controls for goods in trans it. 
5.12.   Customs brokers: to improve trade facilitation procedures, the current regulatory framework 
allows the importers and exporters to proce ed by themselves the clearance through online 
platforms, instead of using any customs broker 's services. The use of c ustoms brokers is not 
mandatory under the present legislation.  
5.13.   Tariff lines exceeded bound rate: w e have identified this divergence and Mozambique will 
take into consideration the observation and, accordingly, make the necessary amendments.  
5.14.   Fisheries subs idies: w e would like to seize this opportunity to make clear that Mozambique 
does not provide any kind of subsidies for the fisheries sector.  
5.15.   Work permits: recogniz ing the relevance of strengthening measures for a conducive 
environment for investment and m aximization of know how transfer from investors to nationals, 
the Government has been undertaking actions that aim to the review the labour legislation. In the 
same vein, the Government approved in the current year a legal framework prescribing issuing of 
multiple entry visas at border gate in benefit of investors.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  5.16.   Telecommunications issue: a ccording to Law 08/2004, dated 21st July, the exclusivity rights 
of Moza mbique Telecommunications state -owned company (TDM) phased out in December 2007. 
Hence, any inve stor can request licensing for fixed line operation in Mozambique. For example, 
MOVITEL, a private company operating since 2011, has a license to operate the fixed line.  
5.17.   Sugar surcharge: w e have taken good note of the issue and it will deserve due 
consider ation.  
5.18.   On improving business e nvironment: the improving of business environment is effectively 
one of the mai n challenges prescribed in the G overnment Plan. Under this framework, the 
Government has been working out in view to simplify the procedures orient ed to a significant 
reduction of the whole bureaucracy that hinder the well -being of the enterprises in its entire life 
cycle.  
5.19.   The main objective is to speed up the process of development of business in Mozambique, 
reduce the transactions costs and increa se the competitiveness of the enterprises operating in 
Mozambique as well as the  Mozambican economy as a whole.  
5.20.   Therefore, the Government strengthened the mechanism of dialogue with the private sector 
aiming at the identification of the needs in terms of r eform and has been focused on the 
international competitivity indicators , with special attention to the World Bank Doing Business. It is 
under that framework that various reforms were carried out with involvement of the private sector 
and support of a numb er of partners.  
5.21.   On corruption issue: an Anti -corruption Unit has been set up. Moreover, under the 
mechanisms of public and private dialogue, the Government has been urging the private sector to 
always report or file complaints on any action regarded as cor ruption affecting business activities 
and this is part of the matrix agreed between the Government and the private sector.  
5.22.   On procurement issue: procurement r egulation was approved by Decree No.  5/2016, dated 
8th March which comprises three procurement reg imes. Tenders are open for national and 
international bidders, unless the bidding documents states otherwise.  
5.23.   International bidders can also participate when certain procedures for contracting goods are 
required to meet specific contracting rules resulting  from treaties and international financing.  
5.24.   We als o have an exceptional regime for limited tenders, for small value tenders and 
shopping, which are restricted to national or international bidders with commercial presence in 
Mozambique, for at least 5 years , and registered with the National Suppliers Registry, maintained 
by the Functional Unit for Supervision of Procurement under the Ministry of Economy and Finance.  
5.25.   Requirements to obtain an investment license: in order to have an investment license, 
nationa l and foreign persons must submit  an investment project with the identification of the 
investors, the documents of the implementing company registered in Mozambique, Tax 
Identification Number in Mozambique (NUIT), lease contract of the office in Mozambique  or land 
documents.  
5.26.   Besides, the minimum value of foreign direct investment resulting from the inflow of own 
capital from foreign investors is set at the eq uivalent of 2.5 million metical  for the specific purpose 
of transfer of profits abroad and the re -exportable invested capital.  
5.27.   There are no restrictions of borrowing and payment of interest abroad. However, to afford 
those rights all the inflows must be registered in advance at the central bank.  
5.28.   On p re-shipment inspection: Mozambique is aware of the obl igations under the 
implementation of the WTO Agreement on trade Facilitation. According to the Category of this 
obligation, Mozambique falls under category "C" with not more than five years to implement it.  
5.29.   We would like to inform Members that the list of  goods  subject to pre -shipment inspections 
has been significantly reduced if compared to 2009. The Government is now in the process of WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  developing a migration strategy from the current pre -shipment inspections to a risk -based 
inspection. Mozambique is now e xpecting technical assistance as prescribed in the Agreement.  
5.30.   New decree on GMOs: t he new regime on GMO management which aims to protect human 
health, the environment and biological diversity, applies to all public and private entities involved 
in the impo rt, export, transit, research, discharge into the environment, handling and use of GMOs 
and their products throughout the national territory.  
5.31.   Import and export of GMOs and their products require authorization from the National 
Biosafety Authority, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Higher Education and Vocational 
Training is the institution that issues the necessary authorization for trading and production of 
GMO goods.  
5.32.   Differences between national and foreign investme nt in the agricultural sector:  according to 
the Investment Law, there is an equal treatment in carrying out those activities. The only 
difference is related to the duration of the Provisional Authorization to  use the land, provided by 
the S tate. Provisional authorization has a maximum duration of 5 years for nationals and 2 years 
for foreigners.  
5.33.   Operati onal Plan for Food Production: p rogrammes and strategies have been developed over 
time together with important and profound reforms to increase production and productivity so that 
agricul ture becomes competitive while at the same time attracting investments. Reforms also aim 
at developing agro -industries with a view to diversify the economic basis, as well as to increase 
export opportunities.  
5.34.   Fiscal issue: t here is a legislative initiative  in course to correct the difference in prices of 
stamps on imported and domestic alcohol beverages. We expect the new legislation will be 
approved in the current year.  
5.35.   The Decree imposes that the products subject to stamp control, when imported into 
Mozambique,  must be declared already stamped, which means that they must be stamped in the 
preceding country. However, we intend to check, in future, the possibility for the seals to be 
attached in Mozambique, in bound Warehouses.  
5.36.   Negotiations with the IM F to resume financial support: w e are in close interaction with our 
development partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to find solutions for the 
present financial constraints we are facing.  
5.37.   Mozambique is already complying with its commitment s deriving from hidden debts and we 
are expecting that independent audit report will be released by the middle of this month.  
5.38.   We hope solutions and appropriate mechanisms will be found in order to resume the 
financial and technical support to our programme s as soon as feasible.  
5.39.   Recent discussions after the World Bank/IMF Spring technical meeting last April indicate that 
a new programme for this assistance can still be approved this year by the IMF board.  
5.40.   The World Bank approved recently the country program me for the next three years.  
5.41.   Suspension of the import of meat from Brazil and chicken: Mozambique appreciates the 
measures taken by Brazil Government to reinforce the already strict inspections of meat -producing 
plants. Mozambique will look at this issue a nd take the necessary steps in order to adjust to the 
new developments.  
5.42.   Development of quality in frastructure and laboratories: t he National Institute of 
Standardization and Quality (INNOQ) has made a significant improvement regarding the quality 
infrastru cture. However, the testing capacity at INNOQ has not reached a level that could 
eliminate the existing barriers to export or even to protect the consumers ' rights.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  5.43.   For conformity assessment, currently, INNOQ relies on governmental laboratories, mainly in  
the Ministries of Agriculture, Fishery and Universities. These laboratories have limited capacity and 
in some cases not licensed.  
5.44.   The other issue is related to geographic location. In fact, most of them are located in the 
capital Maputo. This situation r epresents a challenge mainly for SME.  
5.45.   Preferential markets: Mozambique is in the process of drafting a strategy aiming at 
maximizing the AGOA opportunities to a full extent. It is our belief that such strategy will 
contribute to Mozambique exports and, the reby additional revenues to our economy. We are 
interacting with the U.S. Government in this regard.  
5.46.   Mozambique welcomes the encouragement to seek technical assistance and capacity 
building aimed at addressing supply -side constraints, technical capacity co nstraints, infrastructural 
challenges and notification challenges.  
5.47.   Furthermore, we appreciate the encouragement to review some of the trade related 
regulations and to bring them in line with our WTO commitments. We will consider revising the 
court costs in  disputes regarding required electricity procedures.  
5.48.   To conclude, we remain open to further interactions in view of enriching our participation in 
the global trade and we will submit any other response in due time. I thank you for your kind 
attention.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.49.   We have come to the second and final day of the Trade Policy Review of Mozambique. I take 
this opportunity to thank the Honourable Ernesto Max Tonela, Minister of Trade and Industry of 
Mozambique for the responsive clarifications that have been prov ided so far to the issues that have 
been raised by Members.  
5.50.   I thank all the Members that took  time off to attend this review and especially those who 
made specific interventions including the broad range of issues that were raised. It shows the 
importance of this exercise of Trade Policy Review and the degree of interest that Members have in 
the growth and development of Mozambique.  
5.51.   As you are fully aware, the trade policy review mechanism allows all of us to have a 
collective appreciation and evaluation of  the full range of individual Members ' trade policies and 
practices and their impact on the functioning of the multilateral trading system. It is for this reason 
that we welcome all the suggestions that have been made with the view to improving the way in 
which business is conducted, but also to ensure compliance with the WTO obligations.  
5.52.   As we have heard from the statement and responses to the issues by the Honourable 
Minister, the Government of Mozambique has undertaken a number of regulatory and institut ional 
reforms in nearly all sectors of the economy with the view to structural transformation, 
industrialization and diversification. A number of areas have been highlighted, including by 
Mozambique national report for which they would require technical as sistance.  
5.53.   It is therefore important that as we encourage the Government of Mozambique to continue 
the implementation of domestic reforms, which will definitely contribute to sustainable economic 
growth and development, we call upon the international commun ity to respond positively to the 
call for targeted and specific technical assistance and capacity building in the areas that have been 
highlighted by the Government of Mozambique.  
5.54.   This is what we have taken away from this review:  
i. That Mozambique is on the right trajectory. It has a clear vision on the path that it wants to 
take. Part of which is written in its industrial policy and strategy for the period 2016 -2025 
towards structural transformation and industrialization.  
 WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  ii. Mozambique shall take into account the suggestions that have been raised by Members with 
the view to achieving its domestic reform agenda including bringing its measures in line with 
its WTO obligations.  
 
iii. That in so doing, Mozambique would take advantage of, to the fullest extent  possible , the 
special and differential treatment that is accorded to her as an LDC including in the 
implementation of all agreements to which it is a party.  
 
iv. That regional integration initiatives are an important component of Mozambique 's trade 
policy and that in my  view it would contribute to the expansion and diversification of export 
markets for Mozambique products.  
 
v. Deliberate efforts to increase production and productivity should be undertaken and thereby 
make maximum use of all the preferential treatment in mar ket access that is available to 
LDCs within the WTO and beyond.  
 
vi. That rapid growth and development of Mozambique will also depend in part on the degree to 
which foreign direct investment is generated. What is equally important is the coordination 
mechanism  between the private sector and the Government that has been set up. This 
public -private dialogue mechanism should be strengthened because it provides a bridge and 
direct linkage between the two parties, where immediate solutions to problems can be 
suggest ed and dealt with by the competent authorities.  
5.55.   As I conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mozambique for the 
major and positive steps it has taken towards its own political and economic development.  
5.56.   May I suggest the following as  I close: whereas the challenges remain many, they are not 
insurmountable. The Government might need to focus on a few specific and targeted sectors that 
would drive the economic development of the country, and Members of the WTO should also 
exercise maxim um restraint in requiring LDCs such as Mozambique to undertake commitments 
that are not consistent with their level of development, financial and trade needs.  
5.57.   Last but certainly not least, once again, it has been a great honour and privilege for me to 
have been part of this Trade Policy Review. I congratulate the Honourable Minister and his entire 
members of delegation for the manner in which they presented their country. I congratulate you, 
Madam Chair, for having conducted this successful session in a mos t efficient manner. I thank you.  
NAMIBIA  
5.58.   As Mozambique and Namibia are both members of th e Southern African Development 
Community (SADC) , we share close political, diplomatic, and economic relations. In this context, 
my delegation commends the Government o f Mozambique for honouring its regional integration 
obligations in SADC, notably the 99.6% duty free on imports extended to other SADC members 
and for ratifying the SADC Protocol on Trade in Services.  
5.59.   During the period under review, Mozambique 's macroecono mic performance had improved, 
where GDP grew by an average of 7% since the previous review in 2009. This economic 
performance was on account of a stable political climate, donor support and increased flow of 
foreign direct investment into extractive indust ries, such as coal and gas. We commend the 
Government of Mozambique for undertaking major policy drive through industrialization with a 
view to ensure economic growth, job and wealth creation.  
5.60.   Of particular interest to Namibia are Mozambique 's impressive e xport revenues generated 
between 2005 to 2013. As the Secretariat notes, Mozambique in creased its exports from 
US$159  million to US$1.9 billion, largely supported by mineral exports, notably aluminium, coal 
and gas.  
5.61.   Mozambique has been a Member of the WTO since August 1995 and a Member of the GATT 
since July 1992 and grants at least MFN treatment to all its trading partners and benefits from the 
special and differential treatment provided for by the WTO Agreements. We wish to commend WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  Mozambique for ratifyin g the Trade Facilitation Agreement and taking the necessary steps to 
update its notification obligations in the WTO.  
5.62.   My delegation also applauds the Government of Mozambique for undertaking the necessary 
steps to update its notification obligations in the WTO.  
5.63.   My delegation also applauds the Government of Mozambique for undertaking the necessary 
economic reforms as we believe that this is the right direction to accelerate economic growth and 
reduce poverty.  
5.64.   Finally, Namibia is looking forward to a continui ng excellent and constructive engagement 
with Mozambique and my distinguished colleague Ambassador Pedro Comissário , who never stops 
to impress us with his leadership, humour and valuable contributions in the International 
Community of Geneva.  
GHANA  
5.65.   Ghana is delighted to participate in this trade policy review, an opportunity to peer review 
and take stock of the economic and trade reforms of a fellow member.  
5.66.   The Republic of Mozambique, as a low -income country with per capita income of about one 
third of the  sub-Saharan Africa average, with an estimated 50% of the population living on less 
than US$1 a day, has seen rapid growth in its economy since the end of the civil war in 1992 with 
Real annual GDP growth averaging 8% over the past two decades and around 7 % during the 
review period.  
5.67.   It is heartening to know of Mozambique 's abundant energy resources, including coal, gas 
and renewable resources such as hydroelectric power, biomass, wind and sun. Some of these 
resources - hydro, coal and gas – could provide t he required impetus for development.  
5.68.   In this context, as the pervasive energy gap continues in Africa, Ghana encourages 
Mozambique to tap in on its large hydroelectric potential that the Zambezi River offers, the 
estimated potential of 18,000MW, the secon d largest in Southern Africa, to meet its high energy 
growth of about 13%, boost its industrialization drive and for export to the sub -region, to generate 
revenue and additional economic growth that the country needs to take its people out of poverty.  
5.69.   The share of the agricultural sector, which initially fell from 35% before the end of the war 
to 24% in the early 2000s, has averaged around 26% since 2010. Agriculture , as the backbone of 
the economy,  could also be harnessed to ensure food security.  
5.70.   We wish to take this opportunity to express appr eciation to Mozambique for the contribution 
to the coming into force of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation, having submitted its 
Instrument of Acceptance of the Agreement on 6 January 2017, with all the Categori es A, B and C 
notified. We congratulate Mozambique  on the establishment of the National Committee for Trade 
Facilitation which is expected to steer the implementation of the TFA successfully.  
5.71.   We encourage Mozambique to continue its structural transformati on agenda to grow the 
share of manufacturing sector, which grew from 13% in the early 1990s to 16% in the early 
2000s, as the extractive industries could not be relied upon for the needed employment creation, 
with most investment still geared towards explo ration.  
5.72.   In recent years, Mozambique has been experiencing a slowdown in its economic growth 
levels, with an average economic growth rate of 6.9% in the last seven years, partly as a result of 
the world economic situation, and partly due to the national co ntext. The authorities could put in 
measures to address the domestic situation for which it has control.  
5.73.   Lastly, as always, I would like to call on development partners and investors to support 
Mozambique in implementing its trade policies and strategies i n targeted sectors.  
5.74.   Ghana wishes Mozambique a successful Trade Policy R eview and a safe trip for t he Minister 
and his delegation.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.75.   Let me first thank the delegation of Mozambique for the comprehensive overview presented 
last Wednesday of the  main developments occurred during the review period as well as for the 
statement this morning.  
5.76.   The EU welcomes the excellent and important cooperation with Mozambique. The EU is a 
major trade partner of Mozambique as well as, together with its Member Stat es, main donors for 
development aid in Mozambique. The 11th European Development Fund amounts to €734 million 
for the period 2014 -2020 and the development cooperation covers areas such as good 
governance, inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction  that have also been raised during 
this review .  
5.77.   The EU express es appreciation for the replies Mozambique has provided so far and would 
also be grateful to receive replies to  a few outstanding questions, notably covering  Labour Law 
revision timespan  and how to  improve water/electricity supply of public funded agro -industrial 
complexes.  
5.78.   The EU has also submitted two follow -up questions to clarify further certain aspects of the 
new regime for "control stamps " for alcoholic bever ages and on telecommunication and w e have 
taken good note of the statement this morning on those issues.  
5.79.   In conclusion, the EU would like to thank again the delegation of Mozambique in this 
important exercise.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.80.   The United States would like to thank the delegation of Mozambique for answers to our 
previously submitted written questions, and to sincerely express our appreciation for the 
constructive work that went into both those answers and to overall preparation by everyone, 
including the Secretariat, for this Trade Policy Review . Thank you as well to the Honorable Minister 
Tonela for his statement this morning addressing issues raised on Day one of the TPR and 
Ambassador Onyanga Apar r for his detailed insights as d iscussant.  
5.81.   The United States very much appreciates its solid bilat eral trade relationship with 
Mozambique; we follow with great interest news of economic growth, reform, and challenges 
faced. We applaud efforts to improve the business environment, reduce corruption, and reduce 
inefficiencies in government bureaucracy. An d the United States is enthusiastic about a number of 
cooperative projects and innovative partnerships centered around health, food security, protection 
of environmental heritage, increasing security, and developing commercial connections.  
5.82.   We would respect fully encourage the Government of Mozambique to address outstanding 
notifications here at the WTO and, as mentioned on Day one of the review, to develop an African 
Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) utilization strategy. In addition, we encourage the 
Govern ment to continue improving transportation infrastructure, developing the workforce, 
diversifying exports, and thoughtfully building an attractive situation for increased foreign 
investment and tourism.  
5.83.   The United States looks forward to continued active co operation with Mozambique as a 
valued partner here in Geneva and elsewhere, and trust that everyone believes the TPR to be a 
valuable examination and springboard going forward.  Please accept our best regards  and our wish 
for safe travels to those returning  to capital.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
5.84.   On behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, I would 
like to join others in congratulating H.E. Minister Ernesto Max Tonela and his distingu ished 
delegation for Mozambique 's third informative and constructive Trade Policy Re view. I also wish to 
thank the d iscussant, Ambassador Christopher Onyanga Aparr , for his constructive  remarks.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  5.85.   By the observation of Secretariat 's report, some potential se ctors initially or continually 
developed during the period under review. We agree with the Secretariat 's point that agriculture, 
mineral and energy resources, transportation and tourism  sectors  will offer great potential for 
development both in attracting foreign investment and in promoting employment in Mozambique.  
5.86.   We have noted that Mozambique 's broad technical assistance needs in the area of sanitary 
and phytosanitary measures, technical regulations, testing capacity, agricultural productivity and 
trade facilitation. Aid for Trade is needed to allow it to promote growth, reduce poverty and 
overcome the infrastructure insufficiencies. We call for additional support from the donor 
commu nity to meet these needs and we will be happy to get specific details fr om Mozambique 
needs to express our support.  
5.87.   Regarding fitting into multilateral trading system, we pay tribute to Mozambique on the 
efforts it has undertaken to make its trade regime more open, transparent and to bring it into 
consistent with its WTO commi tments.  
5.88.   In closing, the current global economic environment is difficult for the least developed 
countries. We strongly encourage Mozambique to continue to promote trade liberalization and 
structural reform. Thank you.  
CAMBODIA  
5.89.   On behalf of the LDC Group,  Cambodia wishes to congratulate Mozambique for the 
successful conclusion of its third Trade Policy R eview and congratulate s the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Christopher Onyanga Aparr for his good remarks, as well as the WTO Secretariat  
for their preparatio n. 
5.90.   The Group highly commends Mozambique for having undertaken a number of significant 
initiatives and reforms during the period under review and for creating a more conducive trade and 
investment environment and economy. The reform targets improve economic  and social 
development and are profitable to the population.  
5.91.   The Group also appreciates the commitment made by Mozambique in responding to the 
Members ' questions and requirements.  
5.92.   The Group encourages all WTO Members to continue providing necessary techn ical 
assistance to help Mozambique fulfil its commitments.  
5.93.   The Group again congratulates the entire delegation and wishes Mozambique continued 
success in its initiatives and as part of this Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REM ARKS BY THE CHAIRPER SON 
6.1.  The th ird Trade Policy Review of Mozambique has allowed us to have a better understanding 
of Mozambique 's trade and investment policies as well as the changes introduced to them since 
the previous review in 2009. Our discussion was greatly facilitated by the con structive participation 
of the Mozambique delegation, headed by H.E. Ernesto Max Tonela, Minister of Industry and 
Trade, the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Christopher Onya nga Aparr of Uganda, and the 
31 Members who had taken the floor.  
6.2.  Since the last review , Mozambique 's GDP had grown annually by around 7% on average. It 
started to slow down in 2015, and the economy now faces a number of challenges, including  
reduced global demand and lower prices for commodity exports such as  coal and natural gas, as 
well a s reductions in foreign direct investment and official development assistance.  
6.3.  Some Members pointed out that Mozambique 's abundant natural resources and strategic 
location would allow it to play the important role of a regional transport corridor, thereby putting it 
in a better position to address these challenges. Economic and institutional reforms, however, 
would be key to the country 's sustainable development. At this meeting, Members heard the 
Mozambique delegation explain its national strategies, and t hey congratulated Mozambique on the 
progress made in various reforms which aimed at diversifying the economy, enhancing 
competitiveness, attracting investment, and improving the business environment. They noted in 
particular the enactment of Mozambique 's first Competition Law, the reform of the government 
procurement regime, the introduction of a new competition -friendly Telecommunications Law, as 
well as the promotion of economic zones and development corridors.  
6.4.  Members also appreciated the measures that Mozambique had taken to streamline customs 
procedures, which would not only benefit foreign traders, but would also reinforce Mozambique 's 
role as a trade transit corridor in the region. In particular, Members  welcomed the country 's 
ratification and implem entation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, as well as its introduction of a 
single electronic window for customs transactions. They urged M ozambique to also eliminate 
pre-shipment inspection requirements. For those Members who had expressed  concern  about 
customs broker requirements, they would be pleased to note the clarification given by Minister 
Tonela in his concluding responding statement that the use of customs brokers is , in fact,  not 
mandatory under the present legislation.  
6.5.  Regarding the tariff re gime, Members encouraged Mozambique to improve predictability and 
to keep applied tariffs within bound rates. Regarding notifications to the WTO, while Members 
noted improvement since the previous Review, they remained concerned about the absence of 
notification in several areas, which was a challenge acknowledged by the Mozambique delegation 
and one which it was determined to address.  
6.6.  Members also encouraged Mozambique to review some of its regulations to bring them in line 
with WTO commitments. These inc lude, but are not limited to, regulations governing the "control 
stamps " for alcoholic beverages, the surcharges on imported sugar, indiscriminate scanning 
charges as well as cross -border charges for foreign trucks entering or transiting Mozambique.  
6.7.  Mozamb ique's active participation in, and contribution to, the WTO was acknowledged by 
many Members. Highlighted in particular was Mozambique 's support, as a member of both the ACP 
and the LDC groups, for the multilateral negotiations on fisheries subsidies. Som e Members would 
like to see Mozambique making further efforts to implement existing  WTO Agreements, including 
the Customs Valuation, SPS and TBT A greements. Mozambique 's ratification of its Economic 
Partnership Agreement with the EU, could, in the view of the Mozambique delegation, help the 
country develop standards and build the capacity required for this purpose. Looking ahead, 
Members suggested that Mozambique consider participating in WTO plurilateral initiatives, such as 
the Information Technology Agre ement and the Agreement on Government Procurement. They 
also looked forward to Mozambique 's early acceptance of the amendment to the TRIPs Agreement.  
6.8.  Regarding sectoral trade policies, Members commended Mozambique for working to 
transform its agriculture s ector from subsistence to the commercial level through increasing 
productivity and product diversity. Members also noted the extensive efforts being made by WT/TPR/M/354 • Mozambique  
 
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  Mozambique to effectively manage the expanding extractive industries, and underlined the 
importance  of its membership in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.  
6.9.  Members were aware of Mozambique 's needs for technical assistance and capacity building in 
order to address supply -side constraints and other challenges. Mozambique was encouraged to 
work closely with other WTO Members and development partners to meet these needs.  
6.10.   At this meeting, Members have benefited from the informative introductory remarks and 
comprehensive responding statement delivered by Minister Tonela. It is very encouraging to hear 
him say that Mozambique considers the mechanism of periodic trade policy reviews to be a key 
element of the multilateral trading system, and that the system remains a priority for the country. 
This review will conclude in a month 's time, when all o utstanding questions have been answered. 
However, given the importance that Mozambique attaches to this review, I am confident that the 
extensive discussion we have had, as well as the insights shared by Members over the past two 
days will continue to info rm the development of Mozambique 's trade and trade -related policies in 
the coming years.  
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