Luanda - The United Kingdom's Deputy Trade Commissioner for the African continent, Ben Ainsley, expressed, on Tuesday, Feb 25, in Luanda, his country's interest in investing in the Angola health and agriculture sector.
The Commissioner was speaking to the press at the end of an audience granted to him by the minister of Industry and Commerce, Rui Minguês de Oliveira, to whom he highlighted the need to strengthen the partnership for the country's development.
Ben Ainsley said he came to the country to hold meetings with businesspeople and the Angolan Govt to strengthen ties and partnerships in several sectors.
In turn, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rui Miguêns de Oliveira, highlighted that the meeting made it possible to assess issues related to improving the business environment and the potential of Angolan and British businesspeople.
“It is private entrepreneurs who have to create companies, make them grow and provide conditions for good remuneration and locally produced products, guaranteeing harmonious growth for all Angolans” he highlighted.
He also mentioned that the Government's investment in agriculture is currently visible due to the fact that there is a greater presence of local agricultural products on the market for citizens' consumption.
The minister reaffirmed that the private sector is at the center of the Angolan Government's attention.
He added that the meeting aims to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, as well as promoting economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.
During his stay in Angola, Ben Ainsley will hold meetings with heads from various sectors, in order to explore cooperation opportunities and investment in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, mining, education, financial services, among others.
Diplomatic relations between Angola and the UK officially began in 1986 with the establishment of formal ties between the two countries.
Since then, cooperation has evolved, covering several areas, such as trade, investment, defense, education and development support.
Currently, the United Kingdom is an Angola strategic partner, with emphasis on British investment in the energy, mining and finance sectors.
British companies have a significant presence in the country, mainly in the oil industry.
Furthermore, there is a growing interest in economic diversification, with initiatives in the agricultural sector, infrastructure and technological innovation.
In the field of diplomacy, both countries maintain regular consultations to reinforce cooperation.
AMC/ASS/CF/jmc
