“[The minister] has always ensured a strong voice for our industry in Angola, Africa and the rest of the world,” said, in a statement, the president of CEA for Angola, Sérgio Pugliese.
The official stressed that Diamantino Pedro Azevedo has been an advocate for the interests of Angolan and African industry in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), making sure that their positions “are heard and respected”.
In addition, he added, his support for strengthening the dialogue between local companies, international oil companies and state institutions "renewed interest in major projects across the value chain in Angola".
CEA, which represents African oil and gas producers, also said that Diamantino Azevedo, initially appointed in 2017, has undertaken extensive regulatory reform in the sector since that time.
These include the new framework for the development of marginal and gas fields, new licenses and the creation of domestic capacity.
"Diamantino Pedro Azevedo has led the main reforms of the industry in Angola and has managed to put the Angolan oil and gas sector back on track," said CEA.
The country has renewed its collaboration with major investors in recent years, including Total, Eni, BP and Chevron.
At the end of 2017, for example, Angola agreed to the contractual conditions for the development of Total's Zinia Phase 2 project and its entry into block 48 with Sonangol.
Total also started production of Caombo, in Block 32, in July 2018 with the entry into operation of the FPSO Kaombo Norte, followed by Kaombo Sul in April 2019.
In December 2019, the French giant extended its participation in Blocks 20/11 and 21/09, due to more attractive tax and regulatory conditions.
The same is true for BP, which signed an agreement with Sonangol in 2018, paving the way for an investment to develop the Platinum field in Block 18 and the extension of the block's license until 2032.
Finally, Angola formed a natural gas consortium last year with Eni, Chevron, Total and BP to invest 2 billion dollars in gas exploration and liquefied natural gas development projects.
