This intention was expressed to the Minister of State for Economic Coordination, José de Lima Massano, at a meeting with executives of the multinational company, held this Thursday, and which served to discuss the company's operations on the African continent, particularly in Angola, among other matters.
According to a government statement, to which VerAngola had access, "Coca-Cola expressed its desire to increase the incorporation of national raw materials in the composition of its products, being available to purchase all sugar that is produced in Angola, with the aim of ceasing to import, and from Angola making this product available to the manufacturing units it owns on the continent".
In addition to the willingness to purchase sugar 'made in Angola', at the meeting, Coca-Cola officials in Central Africa also addressed the "need for investment in the glass industry, since the company imports around 100 million bottles annually to meet its production needs".
Thus, one of the representatives of the multinational stated: "If Angola increases the production of sugar and glass bottles, Coca-Cola will be the main client", he said, expressing willingness to "collaborate with the Government's initiatives in this regard".
"The multinational's managers also highlighted the company's involvement in community projects, namely in the provision of drinking water, waste management and youth empowerment programs," the note says.
As part of the company's initiatives in Angola, "the importance of working closely with municipal administrations was reinforced, promoting the inclusion of Angolan citizens who are dedicated to collecting plastic for later sale to the factory".
José de Lima Massano "welcomed the fact that the multinational is one of the sponsors of the 17th US-Africa Business Summit", to be held in Luanda between June 23 and 27.
The minister, quoted in the statement, said "he had taken good note of the concerns raised by Coca-Cola representatives and assured that the Executive is committed to boosting and strengthening the economy, aiming at its diversification, focusing on encouraging investment in strategic sectors, such as agriculture and the manufacturing industry".
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of the President of the Republic for the Productive Sector, João Nkosi, and the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rui Minguês de Oliveira. On the beverage company side, Shilestsi Makhofane, Senior Director for Public Policy, Racheal Kanoti, Senior Director for Franchise Operations, and Paula Matoso, Marketing Manager, were present.
