16 May 2011
Benguela — The president of the Portugal/Angola Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Carlos Bayan Ferreira, said Monday in central Benguela province that the future of the Angolan economy depends on the non-oil economy where the province has a strategic part to play.
Speaking at the opening of the first Benguela and Lobito Corridor Business Forum, held Monday to mark the 394th anniversary of Benguela city, Carlos Ferreira said the non-oil sector generates more jobs.
He said Benguela province plays a relevant part in the development of the non-oil economy, due to its geographic situation and existing infrastructures like the Benguela Railway (CFB), the Port and the Lobito Corridor.
Carlos Bayan Ferreira appealed to local and foreign businesspeople to seize the business opportunity the province offers which, he added, will permit the creation of services and jobs, growth points and reduce imports.
The official also defended the creation of lasting partnerships between Angolan and Foreign businesses, contrary to the usual case in which an investor gains Money one day and packs and goes the following day.
In his turn, the deputy governor of Benguela, Agostinho Felizardo, spoke of the need for the businesspeople to set up organised and credible bodies in order to become valid Government partners in the defence of their business interests.
The first Benguela and Lobito Corridor Business Forum is tackling such topics as “Opportunities and scenarios of development of industry and agriculture” and “Structuring projects underway and industry executive programme”.
The event is being lectured by Benguela vice-governor, Agostinho Felizardo, economist Alves da Rocha, the CEOs of CFB, Carlos Gomes and of the Catumbela Growth Point, Orlando Samuel, and other specialists.
AllAfrica – All the Time