Big invitation from Africa: President of Angola reveals what Serbia can expect in new partnerships

Photo: Tanjug/Rade Prelic

President of Angola Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco invited today . during the "Serbia and Angola: From successful projects to new partnerships - 50 years of friendship and cooperation" round table held in the Palace of Serbia - Serbia's business community to come and explore the potential of the Angolan market and to participate in the process of economic transformation that is underway.

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Lourenco pointed out that political relations between Angola and Serbia are strong and rooted in the struggle for national independence and self-determination of the people of Angola and added that the two nations have always shown solidarity towards each other, ever since the time of Yugoslavia.

"We wish to open a new chapter on the path of strategic partnership by deepening relations in the economic and business spheres. In this political context, which is marked by challenges for peace and stability and changes not everyone agreed to, when it comes to governments and nations, this did not discourage us, on the contrary, it got us going and pointed to the importance of respect for multilateralism, dialogue, international peace and security, peaceful coexistence between peoples and mutually beneficial cooperation between nations. This meeting, therefore, gives us a chance to identify business opportunities that will foster the mutually beneficial partnerships," the Angolan leader said.

He further noted that Angola is a young nation that has hard-working and warm-hearted people, who are lucky to have unique flora and fauna, arable land that has yet to be developed.

"We are a country with significant tourism potential and a prosperous future that is guaranteed to turn this potential into well-being and social prosperity. We also have the National Development Plan and over the past years have provided a safe business environment that is favorable for foreign investment," Lourenco said.

He stated that in addition to investing in people, the country implemented a series of reforms designed to create a dynamic and diverse economy in which the private sector is taking over the key and central role when it comes to innovation and employment.

"In order to meet these development needs, the authorities in Angola are implementing a broad development plan for transport, infrastructure, power generation, water treatment, water supply, telecommunications coverage and we are investing in high-quality social infrastructure," he added.

According to Lourenco, Angola's is a growing economy.

"I would highlight the agriculture and cattle breeding sector, meaning, mechanization, supporting equipment, pharmaceutical industry, automotive industry, tourism and digital economy, as well as all other sectors that can be of interest to investors from Serbia," said the president.

He added that Angola wants an active partnership that will promote a sustainable economy, social development, which can also improve economic integration in the regional and global context.

"The infrastructure that we have made available provides the conditions for Angola to become an important continental logistics hub. We have had major investments in the construction and modernization of ports and airports, and we are expanding the road and rail infrastructure and networks in the country," emphasized Lourenco.

He added that the goal is to incentivize the industry, but also the population's well-being.

"Angola and Serbia have this unique opportunity to be complementary. And therefore, I invite Serbian business leaders, investors, financial institutions here to engage in cooperation and conversation with their colleagues from Angola, to explore the potential of the market and to participate in the process of economic transformation that we are currently implementing," he stressed.

Lourenco added that Angola is committed to ending wars and conflicts in the world, especially those whose consequences have a huge impact on the global economy.

President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) Marko Cadez opened today's round table and pointed out that 110 representatives of companies from both countries are present at the gathering, adding that this is an indicator of the interest of both parties in cooperation.

"Today we will work intensively and discuss potential projects," said Cadez.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)