Zango - A memorandum of understanding was signed on Tuesday, in Luanda, between the Special Economic Zone (ZEE) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with a view to exporting products manufactured in this Angolan industrial park to the South African and North American markets.
Initialled by the chairman of the ZEE Board of Directors, Manuel Pedro, and the USAID representative in Angola, William Butterfield, the document was signed within the scope of the USA Africa Trade and Investment Program (ATI) and will be executed by the Company of International Development - DAI Global, USAID prime contractor.
The memorandum will promote the increase in exports of agricultural and non-agricultural products, boosting the expansion of production in key sectors of the national economy, as well as facilitating trade.
On the occasion, Manuel Pedro said that the two countries have been improving their political relationship and, with this, there is more openness in economic relations, which is why the memorandum provides details on how products can be exported to the USA.
According to the manager, looking at investments in the Lobito corridor, this process will attract American companies to install themselves in the ZEE and export their production from there, in addition to transmitting knowledge to companies already installed.
In turn, the USAID representative in Angola, William Butterfield, considered that the country has a privileged location in Africa, which positions it as a “key player” in regional trade, with strong potential for growth in exports on the continent and outside of it.
The greatest example of this potential is, obviously, the Lobito Corridor, he said.
For him, Angola's decision to liberalize the transport sector through an open, competitive and transparent tender for the railway concession sparked unprecedented interest in foreign direct investment, attracting thousands of dollars, led by the United States.
Angola's agricultural sector, in particular, has potential for expanding exports, offering strong opportunities for regional and global trade.
USAID, through its project to support rural women in Angola (AMAR), is connecting small community farmers with the private sector, increasing agricultural productivity and marketing production to increase income and improve livelihoods.
“This memorandum of understanding establishes a solid basis for a strategic partnership with the USAID Africa Trade and Investment program, with the aim of promoting commercial opportunities and increasing the export capacity of Angolan companies,” he said.
Within the scope of the partnership, he highlighted the launch of initiatives aimed at export potential, especially through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers tariff exemptions to the US market for many products.
According to the official, agricultural products, coffee and textiles can benefit from duty-free access to the North American market, helping Angolan companies to explore new markets and increase competitiveness at a global level.
DAI Global has a long history of supporting sustainable development in developing countries, promoting economic growth, social inclusion and innovation.
Through technical assistance, capacity building and trade facilitation initiatives, the program will help ZEE member companies meet international quality standards and compliance requirements.
Additionally, the partnership will support market access, linking ZEE companies to buyers in the market and promote the use of AGOA. DP/VC/DOJ
