Yota Orii
President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mozambique-Japan (CCIMJ)
CCIMJ was founded in 2019, guided by the mission to create business opportunities for Japanese companies and organizations currently investing in Mozambique, improve market access for incoming Japanese companies, and facilitate communication between both countries. The underlying vision is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience between Japan and Mozambique in a way that benefits all actors involved. With Japanese interests in Mozambique growing over time, there was also an increase in interest to organize the voices of Japanese companies and organizations under one umbrella. To date, 15 companies have become members of the CCIMJ: 13 of the most-prominent Japanese companies in the country, including three SMEs, and three honorary members, namely the Japanese ambassador to Mozambique, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). In the near future, we expect to grow in size and reach 20-30 members. We also want to deal with the government on behalf of the companies, acting as a mediator for matters relating to trade and investment. This is something we look forward to working on alongside other chambers of commerce of countries.
Atsushi Matsunaga
Director, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
JETRO is a government-related organization under the supervision of Japan’s Ministry of Economy and Industry that promotes investment and trade activity between Japan and the rest of the world. JETRO Maputo was established in 2017 as one of eight JETRO offices in Africa, reflecting the potential of Mozambique as an important destination for Japanese investment in light of the country’s predicted economic growth. Every year, JETRO conducts a survey among all Japanese companies to evaluate the most interesting markets in Africa for Japanese investors. According to the results of the 2019 survey, Mozambique ranks fifth in Africa. There are countless opportunities in Mozambique for foreign investors in sectors such as gas, agriculture, power, renewable energy, telecommunication, and logistics. One of the biggest challenges is to find capable local partners. In Mozambique, it is essential to find a local company that not only has experience and knowledge, but also the ability to guide a foreign investor. At present, most Mozambican companies face difficulties when it comes to securing financial resources and technical issues for a project.
Lucas Chachine
Chairman, Lucas Chachine
The purpose of CCIMOSA is to promote the development of mutually advantageous economic, social, and commercial relations between the business communities of Mozambique and South Africa on the basis of friendship and voluntary adhesion. To achieve its corporate purpose and the pursuit of associative goals, the chamber may establish and develop cooperative relations with international trade organizations and institutions, chambers of commerce and any other relevant entities, at home and abroad. We present and defend to the competent state bodies and administrative authorities the views and general interests of CCIMOSA’s members. Trade relations between Mozambique and South Africa have a solid and long history. There is great interdependence between both countries, the Port of Maputo naturally serves South African imports and exports to and from the provinces of Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga, and South African tourists are the main visitors to resorts in southern Mozambique. In addition, Mozambique is a major importer of manufactured and agri-livestock products from South Africa. There is no doubt that, despite the current challenges, the future of bilateral relations will be strong.
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