Sao Paulo, Brazil, 16 July – The Brazilian government plans to increase cooperation with Mozambique in the production of biofuels under the terms of a decree signed by President Luíz Inácio Lula da Silva, which was made public Wednesday.

The two countries will implement a “plan of action” to promote cooperation and exchange in the biofuels sector, with the participation of government staff and specialists, representatives of the private sector and the academic world.

“The plan of action should be drawn up in no longer than 180 days,” said the decree published in official Brazilian publication, Diário Oficial da União.

The terms of the agreement are part of “memorandum of understanding” signed by the two countries in September 2007, in Brasilia, and approved by the Brazilian congress, in May of this year.

The Brazilian government is committed to jointly draw up technical cooperation projects to train human resources for the biofuels sector in Mozambique.

Brazil will also help Mozambique to identify partnerships with other countries and international bodies interested in supporting projects for development of biofuels.

The publication of the agreements comes just days ahead of a visit by Mozambican President Armando Guebuza, to Brazil between 19 and 21 July, in response to an invitation from Lula da Silva on his visit to Maputo in October 2008.

In Rio de Janeiro, the Mozambican president will meet with the board of mining company Vale, the world’s biggest exporter of iron ore, travelling on to Brasilia on 21 July, where he will meet Lula da Silva. (macauhub)