MOZAMBIQUE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A TIFA WITH THE

UNCLAS MAPUTO 000552

SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/S - HTREGER
STATE PASS TO USTR - PCOLEMAN
COMMERCE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE SPECIALIST - RTELCHIN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD EINV ECON MZ TIFA
SUBJECT: MOZAMBIQUE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A TIFA WITH THE
UNITED STATES

REF: A. STATE 79861


B. COLEMAN-LA LIME EMAIL 04/29/05

On May 4, Ambassador delivered Reftel A talking points
regarding a U.S.-Mozambique Trade Investment Framework
Agreement (TIFA) to Antonio Fernando, Mozambican Minister of
Industry and Commerce. The Minister stated that the GRM is
interested in exploring the possibility of negotiating a TIFA
with the U.S. and asked that the Ambassador forward the draft
text to him upon first opportunity. (NOTE: Post will
forward English and Portuguese versions of the draft TIFA
text contained in Ref B to the Ministry of Industry and
Commerce once Post has received confirmation from USTR that
this is acceptable. END NOTE) Fernando stressed that the
decision of whether to pursue a TIFA with the U.S. would have
to be made by the GRM as a whole, but he promised to raise
awareness of the TIFA within appropriate GRM circles. The
Ambassador also mentioned that a delegation from the Office
of the USTR was interested in visiting Mozambique this month
to discuss a TIFA. Fernando said the delegation's visit would
be welcome.
LALIME