[Monday, June 23] From June 9 to 13, the Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) welcomed a distinguished delegation from Matola, Mozambique, to formally establish a sister city partnership. This partnership aims to strengthen international ties and foster long-term collaboration in economic development, education, and cultural exchange.
Matola is Mozambique’s second-largest city and a prominent economic hub in southern Africa. It becomes Charles County’s third sister city, joining Walldorf, Germany (est. 2002), and Jõgeva, Estonia (est. 2012). This growing network of partnerships underscores Charles County’s commitment to inclusive growth, global partnerships, and sustainable development.
“The Charles County Economic Development Department, along with our county leaders and community, was thrilled to welcome the delegation from Matola to our county,” said Michelle Frye, Acting Director of the EDD. “A large part of our mission is to foster economic vitality and create strategic connections that drive success. This partnership presents an incredible opportunity to build meaningful relationships, expand global reach, and generate lasting benefits for both communities.”
The week began with a welcome dinner on June 9, preceding the official signing ceremony on June 10. During the ceremony, the Matola delegation, led by Mayor Júlio José Parruque, and the Charles County Board of Commissioners formalized a relationship rooted in shared priorities and long-term cooperation. The agreement outlines core areas of collaboration, including the promotion of trade and investment; joint efforts in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, real estate, and franchising; the expansion of educational and youth exchange programs with local institutions; and support for tourism, cultural initiatives, and community-driven development.
“The Sister City partnership with Matola is a landmark moment for Charles County,” said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq. “It represents our continued efforts to build bridges between communities around the world and lays the groundwork for collaborative opportunities that will benefit both regions for generations to come.”
The rest of the week included a full schedule of tours and conversations with county officials, business owners, and community members. The Matola delegation explored key sites throughout Charles County, including Charles County Public Schools, local small businesses like Landon’s Ices & Creams and Honey Bun Cake Factory, and agricultural operations such as Serenity Farm and Zekiah Ridge Farm & Flowers. On June 12, a networking reception brought together elected officials, business leaders, and community partners to celebrate the new partnership and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
To support implementation and ensure meaningful outcomes, bilateral working committees will be established to guide joint initiatives aligned with shared goals.
Sister City partnerships like this serve as powerful tools for innovation and international engagement. They create opportunities for business development, academic collaboration, cultural enrichment, and global connectivity. The partnership with Matola presents new opportunities for Charles County residents, students, and entrepreneurs to participate on a broader international stage.
As Charles County continues to compete in the global marketplace, sister city partnerships will serve as powerful tools for creating tangible economic, educational, and cultural impact.
View photos from the week: Matola Partnership Signing and Mozambique Delegation Visit.
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About the Charles County Economic Development Department: The Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) supports and promotes the economic vitality of Charles County, Maryland, a dynamic and rapidly growing region in the Washington, D.C., metro area. It serves as the first point of contact for local businesses and for companies seeking to locate or relocate to Charles County.
With a strong collaborative network of businesses, education, and governmental partners, the organization assists companies through a variety of services, including site selection, workforce training, incentive packaging, introductions to business contacts, permit expediting, and capital sourcing.
EDD seeks to attract entrepreneurs, talented professionals, and companies from key growth industries to the region by marketing Charles County’s business, workforce, and lifestyle assets. Additionally, the EDD offers resources and support to existing businesses, helping them grow and expand in Charles County.
IMAGES:
Pictured from left: Felix Nhabangam, Director, Office of Decentralized Cooperation, Matola City Council; Julieta Zunguze, Councilor for Economic Affairs, Matola City Council; Milvan Muiuane, businessman and senior advisor to the Mayor; Commissioner Gilbert ‘BJ’ Bowling III, District 1; Commissioner Amanda Stewart, Ed.D., District 3; His Excellency Júlio Parruque, Mayor, Matola City Council; Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq.; Commissioner Thomasina O. Coates, M.S., District 2; Commissioner Vice President Ralph E. Patterson II, M.A.; Godinho Alves, Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Mozambique, Washington, D.C.; Ana Maria Alves, senior official, Office of the Mayor; Titos Vilanculos, Municipal Councilor, Matola City Council; and Deolinda Moian, Permanent Secretary, Office of Decentralized Cooperation, Matola City Council.
(Photo credit: Charles County Government)
Pictured from left: Lucretia Freeman-Buster, Chief of Business Services, Charles County Economic Development Department; Commissioner Gilbert ‘BJ’ Bowling III, District 1; Commissioner Amanda Stewart, Ed.D., District 3; His Excellency Júlio Parruque, Mayor, Matola City Council; Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq.; Commissioner Thomasina O. Coates, M.S., District 2; Commissioner Vice President Ralph E. Patterson II, M.A.; and Michelle Frye, Acting Director, Charles County Economic Development Department.
(Photo credit: Charles County Government)
Pictured from left: His Excellency Júlio Parruque, Mayor, Matola City Council, and Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq.
(Photo credit: Charles County Government)
Additional Photos Available Upon Request
