Luanda – The Republic of France intends to change and strengthen trade relations with Angola, within the scope of the economic diversification process happening in the African country, said the French ambassador to Angola, Daniel Vosgien.
According to the French diplomat, trade relations between the two countries are based mainly on oil and gas exploration.
On the sidelines of a meeting with the minister of Commerce and Industry, Victor Fernandes, the diplomat Daniel Vosgien said that oil exports from Angola to France are estimated at around US $400 million.
The diplomat explained that France has a strong position in terms of business in Angola, with more than 70 companies operating in the country, having over 10,000 employees.
In order to change the balance of trade between the two countries, the French ambassador said that he discussed issues related to the industrialization of Angola with the Angolan leader, mainly in the fields of logistics, distribution and in agribusiness.
The ambassador said that new business areas in Angola have already been identified, some of which are for expansion.
"We believe in the path that Angola is taking to develop the diversification of the economy in the field of agriculture, industry as well as services, combined with transport and electricity infrastructures", he said, considering that Angola has great potential, in the domain infrastructure and strategic geographic positioning.
To this end, he said, Angola needs to draw up and maintain a strong education and professional training policy in order to make the most effective use of the increasingly growing human capital, promoting the country's development, he advised.
Issues related to the prospects for Angola's integration in the African Free Trade Zone and regional integration were also addressed during the meeting.
The French ambassador promised to visit some Angolan provinces and then take the informatin he will gather to the French businesspersons.
The French ambassador, accredited on 15 December 2020, has been a diplomat since 1994. He has held the same duties in Germany, Switzerland and Portugal.
