Luanda – The volume of trade between Angola and Australia is nearing 200 million US dollars, as deduced from information given by the Chairman of the Angola/Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIA-AU), Divaldo dos Santos, released on Wednesday.
According to Divaldo dos Santos, although trade is mostly of robust mining companies, the volume of business is in line with the economic reality of the two countries, while seven Australian companies are present in Angola, two Angolan firms operate in this country of the Oceania.
Divaldo dos Santos made the remarks at the first annual conference of the Angola/Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry held in Angolan capital, Luanda, under the motto "The challenge of connecting Angolan companies and the Southern African region with the Australian business ecosystem".
Divaldo dos Santos added that the biggest challenges lie in obtaining visas, which in many cases becomes a barrier for entrepreneurs who want to invest or establish partnerships between the two countries. "What is lacking on the part of the business community is to come together to jointly find synergies or strategies aimed at facilitating negotiations between the two countries."
The secretary of State for Trade, Amadeu Nunes, on his turn, stressed that the forum will impel Angolan entrepreneurs to take advantage of business opportunities.
Amadeu Nunes stressed that the link will better shape investment intentions, as he understands that partnerships with Australian companies are extremely important for the development of new projects and businesses, in addition to increasing the flow of investment between the two countries.
Australia is one of the largest foreign investors in the African mining industry, with more than 200 companies operating in 35 countries. It also supports food security and sustainable agriculture in Africa through technical cooperation, research and innovation programmes, in the strictly economic sphere.
Bilateral relations
Diplomatic relations between Angola and Australia were established in 1976, shortly after Angola's independence. Since then, relations between the two countries have been cordial and co-operative in various areas, particularly in the mining market.
Angola and Australia are members of international organisations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
There is also a co-operation agreement between the two nations in the agriculture field.
Australia is an important trading partner of Angola, mainly exporting equipment and services to the Angolan mining sector. There is also a significant number of Angolan students in Australia studying business, technology, among others. JAM/PPA/Amp/jmc
