Watson Maingo, Dubai, UEA
Vice-President, Saulos Chilima has says Malawi and United Arab Emirates (UAE) will increase trade between each other after all trade protocols and agreements they have entered are signed and fulfilled.
Speaking in Dubai EUA on Saturday when he officially opened the Malawi Nation Day at the Dubai Expo 2020, Dr Chilima said Malawi is the best destination for investment with investment opportunities in tourism, mining, energy, digitalisation, agro-processing sand manufacturing.
Chilima said Malawi is more determined than ever to work with the people and the Government of United Arab Emirates for the benefit of citizens of the two countries.
“Malawi is ready to do business and also to welcome investors and visitors to enjoy our vibrant culture and experience our beautiful Lake and Wildlife,” said Chilima.
Chilima said investors should be attracted to invest in Malawi as it has a good market for its goods considering that it is a member of COMESA, SADC, AFCTA, EU, UK GSP and AGOA.
The Vice-President further said Malawi has made strides in removing obstacles for investors coming into the country.
He cited the operationalising of the online visa application and the establishment of the service centre at the Malawi Investment Trade Centre as some of the steps the country has taken to make it easier for investors to come into the country.
Chilima further said Malawi will ensure that by the end of the Expo in March, she gets business investments and direct business worth more than the target of $400 million.
According the Ministry of Trade, Malawi is expected to make $400 million in business deals.
His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance, said his country wants to build good relationship with Malawi to benefit the people of the two countries.
He said the Dubai Expo 2020 is an opportunity for enhancing trade between countries that are participating.
The Dubai Expo 2020 has attracted participation of 192 countries.
At the Expo, Chilima was accompanied by the Minister of Trade, Sosten Gwengwe, Minister of Tourism, Michael Usi, Minister of Mines, Rashid Gaffar and Ambassador for Malawi to Kuwait, H.E Jaffali Mussa.