Luanda - The Angolan government and the European Union (EU) will hold the second edition of the Business Forum on 17 November in Luanda, with the aim of exploring business opportunities and strengthening economic partnerships between the parties.
The information was released by the national director for International Economic Integration, Jerónimo Pongolola, at the usual briefing session organised by the Ministry of Economy.
He said that the event is part of the European Union's Global Gateway initiative and serves as a platform for strengthening mutual commitment, as well as promoting engagement and a spirit of partnership, with a focus on strategic sectors such as agriculture, digitalisation, energy, infrastructure, fisheries and transport.
The official said that the event will also serve for Angolan and European companies to make connections and discussions on potential areas of action, cooperation and investment opportunities.
According to the director, sustainability issues will also be addressed, with the Sustainable Investment Facilitation agreement to be signed, making it the first country to establish a commitment of this kind with the European bloc, which will strengthen commercial practices.
"With the agreement, the government aims to stimulate the attraction, expansion and retention of foreign direct investment, for the purposes of economic diversification and sustainable development," he said.
For the European Union's Chargé d'Affaires, Paulo Barroso, the forum will continue to highlight the opportunities and advantages that Angola offers as a strategic destination for foreign investment.
He also said that it aims to give visibility to the investments of the Global Strategy of the institution he represents, promoting the exchange of opinions between the Angolan and European private sectors, specialising the involvement of the public and private sectors, as well as facilitating investment and stimulating dialogue on measures and reforms to boost economic development.
"Angola's interest in attracting European investment is significant and as its main trading partner, the European Union will support Angola," he reiterated.
Paulo Barroso said that the European Union is one of Angola's main commercial investment partners and is committed to supporting diversification initiatives.
The forum is open to financial institutions, investment agencies and interested companies. So far 450 companies have registered, of which 275 are Angolan and 175 are European.
The first edition of the Angola and European Union Business Forum took place in Brussels (Belgium) in March 2022.
ML/AC/MRA/jmc
