MAPUTO, June 25 (Xinhua) — Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo on Thursday called for a national drive toward economic self-reliance as the country marked the 51st anniversary of its independence.
Speaking at the national celebrations held at Heroes Square in Maputo, Chapo said that political independence, achieved in 1975, must now be translated into economic prosperity through increased production, industrialization, job creation, and the effective utilization of the country’s abundant natural resources.
“Today, in the face of global transformations, global economic crises, geopolitical tensions, climate change, terrorism, and persistent inequalities, we are called upon as one people to conquer a new historic frontier: economic independence,” Chapo said.
He stressed the need to build a more productive and diversified economy capable of meeting domestic needs and creating opportunities for future generations.
“We want to build a Mozambique that produces more food for its people, industrializes its economy, adds value to its natural resources, exports knowledge, and creates jobs for young people and women,” he said.
Chapo linked the country’s economic ambitions to ongoing reforms in the extractive sector, highlighting government efforts to maximize benefits from Mozambique’s mineral, oil and gas resources through increased local value addition.
GNA