MOZAMBIQUE TRADE MINISTER LETTER TO AUSTR ON WTO

UNCLAS MAPUTO 000319

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

AF/S FOR HTREGER
USTR FOR PCOLEMAN
MCC FOR SGAULL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD MZ
SUBJECT: MOZAMBIQUE TRADE MINISTER LETTER TO AUSTR ON WTO
MARKET OPENING



1. Following is the text of a letter post has received from
the Minister of Industry and Commerce Antonio Fernando to
Assistant USTR Florizelle Liser. Post has faxed this text to
USTR for Patrick Coleman. Please advise if any reply is
anticipated.


2. Begin Text:

Dear Mrs. Liser,

Let me take this opportunity to express my appreciation for
all progress made so far regarding the Mozambique-United
States of America TIFA and to assure you that our country
will put all its energy to accomplish all the goals expected
from the Agreement and the work plan. It is our
understanding that with this agreement, our trade and
investments relations will strengthen and grow, contributing
to job creation and poverty alleviation in Mozambique.

The fact that WTO Developed Members have agreed to open their
markets to duty and quota-free imports originating from Least
Developed Countries constitutes an important step forward
which we strongly believe will complement TIFA. Mozambique
is very keen that the 97% of duty- and quota-free tariff
lines should include all products of particular interest to
us so that we may make effective use of this market access
concession. We would like to count on your support in this
regard.

I am confident that with our joint efforts we will be able
successfully to implement TIFA in order to bring prosperity
and welfare to our people.

I look forward to continuing to work with you. Please accept
my very best regards.

Yours sincerely, Antonio Fernando, Minister

End Text of Letter.
La Lime