Indonesia and Mozambique have agreed to set up the Indonesia-Mozambique Task Force that will focus on multi-sector development in the two countries.
The task force was launched by Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Mozambican Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Carlos Joaquim Zacaria in a ceremony that was held on the sidelines of the 2nd Indonesia Africa Forum 2024, in Nusa Dua, Bali on Monday, September 2, 2024.
The task force establishment was a follow-up to the results of President Joko Widodo’s meeting with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi in August 2023, which encouraged the two countries to determine four cooperation priorities in the mining and energy; transportation and infrastructure; health, and fisheries sectors.
“President Joko Widodo has held bilateral talks with the President of Mozambique, one of the results of which is the establishment of this Task Force between the two countries,” Luhut said.
He cited that cooperation in the health sector will focus on the development of medicines, the quality of health services, and medical and scientific research.
“Our main objectives are to develop generic medicines for public use, improve the quality of health services, establish domestic vaccine production, and promote medical and scientific research in partnership with leading health institutions in Mozambique,” he said.
In mining and energy, Luhut said that collaboration is sought in renewable energy transition,with focus on innovation and development.
“We must collaborate in the renewable energy transition, focusing on innovation, technology, and human resource development,” he said.
In infrastructure and transportation, Luhut added, cooperation will focus on projects that will create new economic centers.
“We must enhance strategic infrastructure cooperation, such as toll roads, seaports, and airports… These are very important to improve logistics, supply chains, and connectivity between our people. Subsequently, it will help create new economic centers,” Luhut he said.
Meanwhile, in the fisheries sector, Luhut stressed the importance of fishing industry due to its huge impact on coastal communities and fishermen. In addition, Luhut said, Indonesia must continue to fight illegal fishing and improve the skills of fishermen.
“We must also continue to fight illegal fishing and improve the skills of our fishermen through aquaculture and blue economy training programs,” the Indonesian minister said.
In closing, Luhut exoressed hope that the Indonesia-Mozambique Task Force will have a very significant role and make a real contribution, to not only strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Mozambique, but also contribute for equal and sustainable grow growth of developing countries (Global South Collaboration).
