Mozambique: Population seen growing by 10 million between censuses to 36 million in 2027
Norway to help Mozambique with hidden debt audit
3:47 CAT | 01 Nov 2016
Reuters (File photo) / Borge Brende, Norway's minister of Foreign Affairs
The Government of Norway will support Mozambique in carrying out the international audit of the undisclosed debt demanded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other partners as a precondition of resuming financial cooperation with the country, reports Voa Portugues online.
The announcement was made on Monday, October 31, in Maputo by the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Borge Brende, at the end of a meeting with President Filipe Nyusi.
The issue of the so-called hidden debts continues to worry the Mozambican government, which has officially acknowledged not having the financial capacity to pay the creditor entities the next repayment installments.
As a result, Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario said that the government would negotiate the restructuring of the debt.
Some of the country’s aid partners, such as the International Monetary Fund, require the completion of an independent international audit, and the government says that steps in this direction are already are being taken, with the Attorney General’s Office hiring an independent international auditor through public tender.
“Our message is very strong and we will support the Government’s efforts in terms of the audit that is being made on the question of guarantees that were given by the State. We are willing to offer support at a time when the country is embracing the process of peace and national reconciliation,” Minister Brende said.
Cited by Noticias the Norwegian Foreign Minister said: “We want to support the Government’s efforts in the carrying out of the independent audit. Norway is a great partner of Mozambique, so we are interested that the process runs smoothly, and are willing to lend assistance to the development of Mozambique. What we do is to support the Government’s efforts at this stage and the reforms that are necessary.”
The debt, estimated at approximately US$1.4 billion, was contracted in favour of the Mozambican Tuna Company (Ematum), Mozambique Assets Management (MAM) and Proindicus, without parliamentary assent. The Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry is due to submit its final report by 31 November.
Minister Brende said it was agreed with President Nyusi that the two countries would continue their partnership and expand areas of cooperation into the fields of education, health and job creation.
According to Borge Brende, strong relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries date from 1975. Norway has since invested more than US$400 million in the Mozambican electricity sector, mainly in hydroelectricity and the expansion of rural electrification.
Borge Brende was accompanied on his two-day visit by 30 Norwegian business people interested in investing in different areas.
“We do not have a detailed agreement with the Mozambican government, but will continue discussions to identify areas where Norway can work with Mozambique,” he said.
In addition to meeting the President, the Norwegian Minister yesterday held a meeting with social activist Graça Machel and members of the government, especially ministers of Economy and Finance and Mineral Resources and Energy, respectively Adriano Maleiane and Leticia Klemens. He also talked to parliamentarians and attended the business summit that which brought together Mozambican and Norwegian business people and government officials.
Source: Voa Portugues / Noticias
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