The Maputo-based Association of Informal Sector Workers (ASSOTSI) has complained against a decision taken by Agriculture Minister Helder Muteia to tighten control over the import of frozen chickens, reports Monday's issue of the daily paper "Noticias".
According to the decision, dealers should abide by the import regulations establishing that all products must bear a health document issued in the country of origin, certifying that they are free of any disease, otherwise, the importers may face sanctions, including the cancelling of their licenses.
Muteia said that most importers of animal products, particularly chickens, are not obeying the terms of their import licences.
Not only could this threaten public health, but the import of cheap chickens of dubious origin constitutes unfair competition to Mozambique's own poultry farmers, who have bitterly complained at the dumping of South African frozen chickens on the Mozambican market.
ASSOTSI chairperson Sudecar Novela complained that the importers are asked for "too many" documents.
He saw no need for a health certificate from the country of origin, and expressed a touching faith in the honesty of the suppliers.
"We think that if they are put on sale it is because the chickens were duly inspected and authorised for human consumption", he said, arguing that the ministry decision only adds to his members' difficulties.
Novela argued that local poultry production is not sufficient to satisfy demand "which is why we resort to imports".
He said "what the minister should do is help Mozambican poultry farmers to produce more and better, to supply the domestic market".
The local producers, however, complain that it is precisely because of unfair competition from cheap imports, often smuggled across the border and paying no taxes, that they are unable to increase their production.
Fonte: AIM
