Africa-Press – Malawi. The Malawi delegation to Israel, led by Secretary to the Treasury Betchani Tchereni, has discussed deals for the supply of strategic commodities to Malawi, the highlight being that Israel is willing to receive Kwachas for the commodities.
And according to Tchereni, once sealed, the deals may help Malawi save almost $1 billion (about K1.740 trillion), thereby pushing down local prices of the commodities.
“The Malawi delegation managed to negotiate deals with six companies,” he said. He was quick to say that, for security reasons, he could not shed light into the companies just yet.
“Otherwise, all I can say is that the deals will see Malawi getting fertiliser, fuel and some essential medicines without the involvement of middlemen. In addition, activities pertaining to the deal will be conducted in Malawi Kwacha.
“Further, the balance of trade is likely to improve and increase the stock of foreign reserves in Malawi,” Tchereni said.
Willy KambwandiraHowever, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Executive Director Willy Kambwandira warned Malawians not to start celebrating such news just yet.
“Unless the government tells us names of the investors, it would be premature to start celebrating the deals. There is a need for transparency on the issue,” Kambwandira said.
However, security expert Edward Chaka, who is also People’s Federation for National Peace and Development Executive Director, said there is nothing wrong with government’s decision to keep names of the companies under wraps.
“With what is going on in Israel, where there is some armed conflict, the government is showing the international community that it can be trusted with sensitive information.
“This will help Malawi’s cause because for one to trade, or engage in government-to-government activities, freely, there has to be trust built. As such, I do not see anything wrong with the decision to keep the information under wraps. It reflects on Malawi’s respect for Israel and companies that operate there,” Chaka said.
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