“A process of profound changes in the reality that the country has experienced in the last four decades is taking place in Angola, and today there is a new vision with the definition of other development priorities,” said João Lourenço, in a speech in virtual format to the Consultative Council of US President on business in Africa.
The Angolan head of state highlighted, among other development priorities, “the sector of agriculture, technology and higher education, transport and infrastructure, health, the pharmaceutical industry, banking, and insurance, and more” that may be of interest to the U.S.
According to a statement issued by the Angolan presidency, João Lourenço stressed that “the interest in investing almost exclusively in hydrocarbons must be corrected, taking into account the enormous potential that the Angolan economy offers”, highlighting the main economic reforms launched in recent years and the focus on combating corruption.
“We are conducting a process in Angola to correct bad governance and public affairs management practices, with the support of important institutions in friendly countries, of which I highlight that of the Department of the Treasury, which has been providing technical assistance to our Financial Information Unit ”, said the government official.
“We are making a huge effort in Angola to transform our economy with a view to encouraging private investment and free enterprise while reinforcing our commitment to democracy, transparency, the fight against corruption and the defense of human rights ”, he stressed.
João Lourenço admitted: “The implementation of these reforms has not been easy, but it is necessary and vital for the future of the Angolan people”.
Before, on a day classified as a “historic journey”, the Angolan President had already spoken on the phone with the North American Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, and then answered questions posed by businessmen.
“The interest of businessmen revolved around issues such as the Angolan executive’s response to the covid-19 pandemic, the bet on infrastructures and the strengthening of the capacities of the health system, the way in which North American companies can participate in this effort ”, The statement reads.
According to the note, the entrepreneurs “also asked about the digital economy, economic reforms and improvement of the business environment, the informality of a good part of the Angolan economy and the efforts to change this situation and the programs and public policies aimed at empowerment. of the woman”.
