"Angola is open to support investments by the international private sector in fields as diverse as agriculture, agro-industry, manufacturing and mining, fisheries and tourism, but it also intends to develop public-private partnerships for the creation of road infrastructures , railway, port, production and distribution of energy and drinking water and telecommunications", said João Lourenço.
The head of state was speaking at the opening of the 8th Angola-Germany Economic Forum, where he was accompanied by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The President stressed that the Law on Public-Private Partnerships was recently approved and regulated, and now the conditions are met for businessmen to join the executive's efforts in the completion of major public infrastructure works, which will help to reduce the public debt.
"We are creating the basis for a strong and sustained economy to end dependence on oil", reinforced João Lourenço, focusing on two essential pillars for the diversification of the economy: the creation of a true rule of law where there is no place for corruption and nepotism practices and the consolidation of the market economy.
Regarding the rule of law, the head of state highlighted the need for transparency and equal opportunities among citizens, healthy competition between market agents and access to justice, fast and equal for all.
The President pointed out that, taking into account the "harmful effects of corruption on the economy and on society as a whole", the executive has been taking concrete measures to correct aspects that conflict with the business environment "that is intended and is being created with support from everyone".
He added that initiatives against money laundering are also being implemented, as well as the recovery of assets that were illegally transferred.
As for the consolidation of the market economy, he pointed to efforts to regularize the foreign exchange market and the macroeconomic stabilization program that has financial and technical support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
João Lourenço also addressed the privatization and public assets program, which involves the sale of more than 190 companies by 2022.
"With this process we intend to promote the rapid and sustained growth of the national economy and increase the employment and income of our citizens", he underlined.
The President stressed that Germany is a great economic and technological power, and a world leader in scientific research and innovation, with whom Angola wants to strengthen and establish bases of strategic cooperation that result in benefit for both parties.
"We need to attract international investors that bring capital, but also‘ know how’", which allows to diversify the economy and increase exports, said the head of state, inviting German businessmen to embrace the opportunities that Angola offers.
In her intervention, Angela Merkel focused on the fight against corruption, which she considered "a courageous and necessary step" and stressed that professional training is a characteristic of all German companies, which will also be central to cooperation with Angola.
One of the agreements signed during the chancellor's visit to Angola is aimed precisely at the foundation of a Voith professional training academy, through an agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Water.
Agreements were also signed with Siemens, as part of the development of the Luanda surface metro project, for cooperation between Andritz Hydro and Omatapalo in the area of hydroelectric energy, and for the rehabilitation of national roads 140 and 295, between Gauff and the Institute of Studies, Planning and Statistics.
A fourth agreement aims to create a Cash Center for the National Bank of Angola (BNA), between Giesecke + Devrient and BNA.
