Angolan President João Lourenço today challenged Portuguese businessmen to go “in force” to Angola to participate in the process of diversifying the country’s economy.
The head of state spoke in Lisbon at the press conference that ended his three-day visit to Portugal, and purposely used an expression similar to that used during Estado Novo by the then dictator António de Oliveira Salazar when the colonial war settled in Angola.
“The ideal way for Portugal to make this participation [in Angolan economic development] is mainly for Portuguese investors to pack and go to Angola. I do not like to use this expression, but I will do it: And in force,” he said.
“We would like to see the Portuguese businessmen in force in Angola, especially the small and medium-sized enterprises, in almost all sectors of the economy, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and various industries. emphasized João Lourenço.
The Angolan President has once again assumed that the process of certification and liquidation of state debts to Portuguese companies is underway and will be taken to the end.
Asked about the present moment of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) and with Angola in the line of succession to assume, in 2020, the presidency of that body, João Lourenço pointed out the need for changes.
“Our general opinion is that we can explore a little more the possibilities that the CPLP gives us. We do not exploit to the maximum, this is a general appreciation. Now we have to see how we can get out of this situation, to maximize the CPLP offers us, “he said.
This three-day state visit is also the first of an Angolan President’s visit to Portugal since 2009 and involved the signing of 13 agreements between the two governments, with João Lourenço also announcing that the Portuguese head of state, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will visit Angola in 2019.
During the visit, João Lourenço said he foresees “a promising future” in relations between Portugal and Angola, and promised a “clear climate” in relations between Luanda and Lisbon.
President returns to Luanda today.