Government of Scotland says will market investment opportunities that exist in Malawi to Scottish companies.
Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Malawi's Capital Lilongwe during his meeting with President Peter Mutharika.
Speaking before the meeting was held in camera, the Scottish Minister said his visit seek to cement cordial relationship that exist between the two countries and also wants to discuss and explore how Scotland can continue with its aid and development activities to ensure that the poorest are benefiting more.
He also mentioned that one of his very important agenda in is to explore on trade and investment "I am here to give assurance that Scotland is very keen to take forward our relationship with Malawi not just on aid but also on trade."
"Am pleased that we have a number of investors and entrepreneurs in Scotland who your Honorable Minister on his last visit he met and are still be keen to invest in Malawi" he said
Later, in an interview, the Scottish Minister further emphasized that he wants to explore how his country can assist with Trade and Investment, get Scottish companies to come to Malawi to invest and help local entrepreneurship and create local jobs and local wealth.
"I think what needs to be done is to talking to companies in Scotland and in UK to tell them very clearly what the opportunities are, and what the investment return will be as well." Said Yuousaf, "So I would encourage president of Malawi and Malawi Government to come to Scotland to come to UK, talk to companies and tell them opportunities that exists." He said
He indicated companies in Scotland will be interested to invest in number of areas especially in in Agro-business and in renewable energy.
Among others Yousaf said his visit will include knowing from Malawi how relationship between two countries has improved lives of people as well see if Scotland can work across in more specific sectors including work with NGO's and take advice from people of Malawi on what should be the development priorities.
Speaking earlier, President Peter Mutharika said, he was grateful to receive the Scottish Minister in Malawi as the visit symbolizes commitment and goodwill of Scottish government to strengthen long standing bilateral relationship.
He said Scotland remains a major development partner to Malawi in areas of ending poverty and achieving sustainable development. He said under their cooperate agreement, Malawi continues to benefit immensely in areas such as Agriculture and Food Security, Trade and Investment, Infrastructure, Health, Gender and Education.
He also thanked the Scottish government for timely assistance to Malawi with £150,000 (Twenty Thousand British Pounds) during floods that devastated Malawi this year. He said the money has gone along way.
President Mutharika also briefed the Minister and appealed for Scottish Government support in number of efforts that Malawi is undertaking including in improving access to education, promoting skill development and entrepreneurship as well as job creation through technical colleges.
He added that Malawi is also pursuing number of activities that promote trade and create conducive environment for investors.
Malawi and Scotland share along history which dates back to 19th Century when the first missionaries came to Malawi to spread Christianity. The coming of the Scottish Minister also marks 156 years since Dr. David Livingstone came to Malawi and 10 years since the two countries signed Cooperation Agreement in November 2005.
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