BIO INFORMATION ON NEW SADC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

UNCLAS MAPUTO 001099

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR AF/S - HTREGER
NSC FOR CCOURVILLE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PINR PGOV PREL MZ SADC
SUBJECT: BIO INFORMATION ON NEW SADC EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
TOMAS SALOMAO


1. (U) Under former President Chissano, Tomas Salomao served
as Mozambique's Minister of Transport and Communication
(2000-2005) and Minister of Planning and Finance (1994-1999).
Salomao is a member of the powerful 15-person FRELIMO
Political Commission. In the December 2004 general elections
he won election to the National Assembly as a FRELIMO
representative. Salomao holds a degree in economics from
University Eduardo Mondlane (1977),and is the author of many
articles and books on the economy. He played a key role in
securing Mozambique's eligibility for debt-relief under the
Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program and has been
an important advocate for economic reform in Mozambique.


2. (U) Prior to his ministerial appointments, Salomao held a
number of positions in the government including Deputy
Minister of Planning (1989-1994),General Manager for
Planning and Finance, Ministry of National Defense
(1987-1989),Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defense
(1983-1987),and Technical Director for the National Planning
Commission (1978-1983). He also served as Director General
of the state-run steel mill CIFEL (1980-1983),on the Board
of Directors of the state-owned People's Development Bank
(1978-1980),and as a technician and member of the Board of
Directors Caixa Economica (1977-1978).


3. (SBU) As Minister of Planning and Finance, where current
Prime Minister Luisa Diogo served as his deputy, Salomao was
known for building positive working relationships with the
World Bank and the IMF. It is said that during his tenure he
spoke in favor of an austerity program negotiated with the
IMF, despite reservations expressed by other members of the
government.


4. (SBU) Salomao was born October 16, 1954 in the Inharrime,
Inhambane province. He is married and has two sons. He
speaks fluent English.


5. (SBU) Comment: Salomao is popularly viewed as very
competent, even by RENAMO members. Even though he is not
considered a Guebuza intimate, many had expected that he
would be chosen to be Guebuza's prime minister because of his
abilities.
La Lime