Lubango - The India ambassador to Angola, Vidhu Peethambaran Nair, expressed his country's interest in cooperating with the Southern African nation to help it boost tourism in central Huíla province, a potential that has already been identified.
The diplomat, who is on a three-day visit to Huíla, his first outside the capital Luanda, said Huíla is an important province in the area of tourism and this sector will strengthen relations with India, as it is an important area for Indians as well.
The diplomat pointed out that Huíla has "strong" tourism potential and India is looking at this as a possibility for further investment, as there are already many Indians coming to Angola as tourists and vice versa, a number that could grow.
Regarding the Luanda-New Delhi air link, Vidhu Peethambaran Nair said negotiations are underway and an agreement could be signed in the near future.
During the three days, the ambassador and his family will visit the Tundavala Rift, the Christ the King statue, the Huíla Regional Museum and the Indian company "Mafcom".
The diplomat will also meet with the local Chamber of Commerce, and on Friday he will hold a meeting with the governor of Huíla, Nuno Mahapi.
India established diplomatic relations with Angola in 1985 and since then has maintained cooperation that is considered "extremely cordial". It is Angola's third largest trading partner, accounting for close to 10% of Angola's foreign trade, mainly due to the purchase of crude oil.
Since 2021, bilateral trade has been growing, reaching a figure of 3.2 billion US dollars, with an increase in Indian exports to Angola valued at 452 million US dollars.
The Indian community in Angola is estimated at 5,000 people, who work mainly in the areas of commerce, health, agriculture and offshore. This community also has a significant presence in the manufacturing industry, which deals with plastics, metal, steel and clothing.MS/M/AMP
