INTERVIEW

“Love of seafood and respect for old people are common in 2 countries”
Our overseas adviser in Maputo, Mr. Durao, told about Mozambique and Japan

Q1. How is the life in Maputo? Do you feel benefit of rapid growth of economy in ordinary life?

 Maputo is the busiest city in Mozambique, bringing together people from all the 10 provinces of the country and a little bit of all cultures. People are attracted to the city due to the better life opportunities it offers including school, job and businesses.

 With the growth of economy the demand for the city increased especially among foreigners who come looking for business and employment opportunities. On the other side local people are now eager to move to other parts of the country as the economy has also hugely increased in those areas, mostly with the discover of mineral and natural resources.

Q2. How are the images of Japan and Japanese people in Mozambique? Who is the most famous Japanese in Mozambique?

 A couple of years ago, Mozambican people would have problems to distinguish japan and Japanese people from other Asian countries and Asian people. Recently, we can see these differences are clear, especially on business environment and among students. There is still a lot to learn about Japanese culture though. Most people know prime minister Shinzo Abe these days but other icons are also known, like soccer players Keisuke Honda and Hidetoshi Nakata, Japanese anime and manga characters Naruto and Pokémon or Japanese ninjas and samurais.

 The number of Japanese people in the country is also increased in recent years. Some time ago we could only see embassy officials, JICA personnel and Japanese volunteers. Nowadays is common to see a lot business people and even exchange students traveling around the country. Japanese people get easily involved with locals and enjoy local seafood.

Q3. You have lived in Japan. Did you find any similarity between cultures or lifestyles of 2 countries?

 Actually, I have stayed 3 years as a student and part time worker in Japan. And yes, there are some similarities: people like seafood in both countries, agriculture is common in countryside, respect for old people and ancestors is key for living.

Q4. What is the most impressive difference between 2 countries for you?

 I think Japanese people are very strict and Mozambicans are kind of easy going. This makes a huge difference on understanding the two cultures.

Q5. What kind of Mozambican food do you recommend to Japanese friends?

 Always seafood. I would say try it grilled with some coconut milk.

Q6. How do you spend your holidays?

 Most people enjoy going out to eat, drink and socialize. My favorite spot is by the beach, even if it is just to read a book.

Q7. What kind of Japanese business or product do you think have opportunity in Mozambique?

 I believe most of the Japanese products are widely accepted in Mozambique due to its quality. Automobile and electronics are very famous but people is also starting to appreciate Japanese education, business consultancy (TQM and 5S) and trade.

Q8. Do you have any advice to Japanese companies that is considering business with Mozambique?

 In order to streamline and ease productivity, I always advice companies to make an effort to understand the local business culture. Engaging in partnerships with locals, investing in capacity building and trainings are also a key. Finally, understanding the legislation and seeking for local legal advice will help avoiding future problems.

   

   

 

 

 

Mr. Nandio DURAO

UNIDO ITPO Tokyo’s Advisor (Mozambique)
Researcher and Associate Lecturer in Marketing, Tourism and Management at Universidade Politécnica de Moçambique.
MBA(Master of Business Administration), University of Tsukuba (Japan).
Language: Portuguese, English, Japanese, and Spanish