Established in the Angolan market, in which they have invested in recent years, several Chinese entrepreneurs have returned 'home' around Christmas, with the aim of celebrating the arrival in the Chinese New Year. However, and in view of the Covid-19 epidemic outbreak, they were held back in the country of origin.
Arnaldo Santos, president of the Angola-China Chamber of Commerce describes to O País the difficulties that these Chinese investors are going through: “Almost all Chinese installed in Angola returned to China, in December, for the usual Chinese New Year celebrations. Unfortunately, it was in this period that the tragedy began that, consequently, motivated the travel ban, leaving most of our members cornered”.
Ironically guaranteeing that, at this moment, finding a Chinese in Angolan territory seems to be “a find”, the official is hopeful in a resolution of the situation in the short term. Information from the Chamber of Commerce states that, during the next week, some of its members may be allowed to travel, in order to reverse the “decrease of Chinese investors and traders in Angola”, as well as the low flow of goods and goods, affecting the partnerships established between entrepreneurs from both countries.
Regarding these constraints, Arnaldo Santos told O País that the Chamber of Commerce is trying to “set up a broad logistical operation” to support newly returned entrepreneurs. The aim is also to prepare Chinese citizens for a quarantine period.
The institution also showed its willingness to support Angolan students in China. “We are doing what is possible to do. The situation is very limiting, so our students must remain calm. The reality that is being experienced in China does not distinguish status”, he said.
In spite of everything, at a commercial level, Chinese establishments maintain a regular activity, largely due to an “efficient methodology of product reservations on surfaces and developments”, and for the time being, stockouts are not foreseen.
