Speech for the launch of the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative, 1999
by the President of Mozambique: Joaquim Chissano

This event symbolises the determination of our three Governments to co-operate with each other in order to promote growth, reconstruction and development in our countries.

To the north of us is an extraordinarily beautiful corner of the continent filled with indigenous forests, game parks, sob-tropical plains and river valleys, sweeping white beaches, unspoilt coral reefs and the haunting beauty of the Lubombo mountains. This abundance of natural wealth was created long before political boundaries were drawn accross its landscape.

The aim of the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative is quite simple. It is to end the paradox of poverty amidst plenty, deprivation despite potential prosperity and severe backlogs in basic social services despite the inherent potential of the area.

To end these paradoxes, we are putting aside the barriers that have prevented trans-national co-operation in the past.The iniative focusses on eastern Swaziland, the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and southern Mozambique. The Lubombo mountains run down thge spine of these areas proving the SDI with its name. The strategy is to promote a coordinated and sustainable development in partnership with the private sector.

The iniative focusses on a region in our three countries that are linked by natural forces. We are of the view that, if the obstacles that have historically prevented the resources in this territory from being properly utilised are removed, we will be able to create a base for an integrated economic zone for vibrant new industries - especially in the fields of agriculture and tourism.

The region has exceptional potential for tourism and in partnership with the private sector, we aim to turn it into a globally competitive tourist destination. It is for this reason that we have timed this launch to coincide with the annual INDABA hosted by South Africa.

The region with its fertile soils and sub-tropical climate, also has considerable potential for agricultural development, including cultivation and processing of high-value crops. The Lubombo SDI is thus being developed as an agro-tourism investment zone.

The region has many natural endowments: an abundance of game parks, an interlocking chain of unique ecosystems, a benign climate and a marvellous diversity of peoples and cultures. The ports of Maputo, Durban and Richard's Bay along with the airports at these cities and Manzini airport, offer excellent access to the area.

A number of nodes - or anchor projects - to use the language of the SDI - with high growth potential have been identified in the Lubombo region. These areas of potential tourism and agricultural development potential will be explained in greater detail in the course of the day.

Our three Governments are working hard to upgrade border posts and minimise the bureaucracy inhibiting travel. We are all harnessing our efforts to ensure that the Lubombo region is marketed as an international tourism destination along the eatsern seaboard of the subcontinent.The aim is to envision that the name Lubombo will stand alongside Vicyoria Falls, Mount Kenya and Kruger National Park.

We call on the private sector to share this vision and to help realise it. We invite you and your companies to grasp this window of opportunity and we invite your creative ideas on how best to develop this unique region.

The SDI has appointed highly skilled teams of technical to prepare a series of investment packages that will be unveiled at an investor conference later in the year. Any proposals that are put forward by the private sector will be taken seriously by our three Governments.

Lubombo is a place of beauty. It is a beauty we want to share with the rest of the world. However, it is a natural system that must be preserved through sustainable forms of development. Join us and help us realise the benefits of the vision on the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative.