2018年-查塔姆研究所_Mozambique_Fact_Sheet_4页_110kb

Mozambique Fact Sheet Summary

Core Content

This document provides an overview of the UK-Mozambique relationship, highlighting the historical, diplomatic, aid, and trade dimensions. It outlines the evolving nature of the partnership, particularly in the context of regional stability and development in Southern Africa.

Main Points

Diplomatic Relations

• Historical Context: The UK and Mozambique have maintained good and consistent relations, influenced by shared borders with Commonwealth countries, Mozambique's role in the Zimbabwe settlement (1980), and its position as a Front-Line State against apartheid South Africa in the 1980s.
• Key Figures: President Samora Machel supported the Lancaster House talks on Rhodesia's UDI, leading to Zimbabwe's independence. His successor, President Joaquim Chissano, visited the UK multiple times. President Guebuza is currently the Deputy Chair of the SADC Peace and Security Organ and will take over the Chair in August 2009.
• High-Level Visits: The UK has seen numerous high-level Mozambican officials visit, including President Chissano (2001), the Foreign Minister (2003), and Frelimo Secretary General Armando Guebuza (2003). In return, UK officials such as HM The Queen, the Princess Royal, Tony Blair, and Gordon Brown have visited Mozambique, with notable visits during the 1980s and 1990s by senior Conservative figures like Geoffrey Howe, Malcolm Rifkind, and Lord Soames.

Aid and Development

• DFID's Role: The Department for International Development (DFID) is one of the UK's largest donors to Mozambique. The UK views Mozambique as a strategic development partner and a rare success in governance and development in Africa.
• Aid Programme: The UK has a five-year rolling aid programme currently valued at £60 million annually, with 75% being direct budget support. Aid contributions have increased from £47 million in 2004/2005.
• Programmes and Support: DFID supports various sectors including health, education, infrastructure, and HIV/AIDS prevention. It also assists government processes like public financial management and tax collection. Civil society programmes aim to enhance democratic accountability.

Trade Relations

• Trade Volume: Direct trade between the UK and Mozambique is modest, with UK exports totaling over £15 million in 2007 and imports valued at over £9 million.
• UK Companies in Mozambique: Several UK-linked companies operate in Mozambique, including BP, Shell, PWC, KPMG, Land Rover, Unilever, Port of Liverpool, CDC, Lonrho, British American Tobacco, Rio Tinto, ED&F Man, and BacTec.
• Port Concession: The main port of Maputo was concessioned to a British-led consortium for 15 years. Crown Agents opened an office in Maputo in 1988 and expanded their involvement through the Customs Reform Project, which was later extended to support Mozambique's integration into the Central Revenue Authority.

Conclusion

• Strategic Shift: After the end of apartheid and the civil war, the UK shifted its focus from diplomatic initiatives to aid and trade with Mozambique.
• Labour Government Focus: Under the Labour government, UK aid to Mozambique has increased, and British ministers regard Mozambique as an important success story in development and governance.
• Continued Partnership: The UK and Mozambique maintain a strong bilateral relationship, characterized by mutual respect and cooperation in both development and regional security.