Mozambique is considering creating special economic zones for agriculture in 24 areas of the country to promote investment and increase farm production, according to an APA report in StarAfrica.
Agricultural operators may get some tax exemptions for agriculture if do business in the special economic zones, in an arrangement being coordinated between two ministries –agriculture and economy.
The agricultural development corridors were chosen based on climate and growing conditions, strategic location to markets, existing or planned infrastructure and the need to diversify farm products.
Opportunities in the value chain were identified in the chosen areas for products such as soy, potatoes, wheat, beans, maize, rice and others deriving from forestry, poultry and cattle.
Jose Pacheco, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, told the Maputo-based daily newspaper Notàcias that the 24 special development zones include the following: the districts of Manhiça and Moamba in the Maputo corridor, Xai-Xai, Chà³kwè and Massingir along the Limpopo valley, Nhamatanda, Caia, Bà¡ruè, Sussundenga, Mossurize, Macate and Vanduzi along the Beira corridor in the centre of the country.
The zones also cover these areas: Namacurra, Mocuba and Angà³nia along the Zambeze Valley, Malema, Ribà¡uè, Cuamba, Mecanhelas and Mandimba in the northern port region of Nacal as well as Balama, Namuno, Montepuez and Nguri/Namacande along Pemba/Lichinga corridor on the northern tip of the country.
Mozambique’s experience with special economic zones is relatively new, dating to 2007, Notàcias reported
Five special economic zones have already been established: Nacala Special Economic Zone in Nampula province, Manga/Mungassa in Sofala, Crusse e Jamali in Nampula, Beluluane Industrial Park in Maputo and Mocuba in Zambézia.
