It is reported that Mozambican Council of Ministers has approved a resolution granting transport and communications minister Mr Paulo Zucula powers to negotiate on behalf of the Mozambican government amendments to the concession for the management of the port of Nacala, in the northern province of Nampula.

As a result, Mr Zucula will have the power to negotiate with the concessionaries the terms for private investment for the rehabilitation, operation and management of port's infrastructure, to safeguard Mozambique's interests in the management of the infrastructure at Nacala.

The port of Nacala is currently under the spotlight because it is seen as the route for the export of coal extracted in Moatize, in the western province of Tete. Nacala is regarded as the best deep water ports on the east African coast as it can accommodate ships of any size and, unlike the ports at Beira and Maputo, it does not need dredging.

Currently it is underused, but with investment it could handle up to 50 million tonnes of coal exports a year. During the meeting, the cabinet also discussed an action plan for professional training focused primarily on the country's mega projects.

Deputy education minister with responsibility for vocational training, Mr Leda Hugo, explained that "This action plan aims to cover the shortage of skilled labor and to allow a larger number of Mozambicans to take advantage of the existing employment opportunities. This action plan, which is embodied in the strategic plan for education, will use the training opportunities available across the country, including those provided by private companies, particularly those associated with mega projects."

The Council of Ministers also adopted a resolution ratifying a loan agreement between the Mozambican government and the Exim Bank of China, totaling USD 14.7 million to finance a distance learning project.

Source - Mozambique News Agency

(www.coalguru.com)