Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa (Washington, DC)
20 May 2008
(Page 2 of 2)
In addition to demobilizing ex-combatants and resettling almost four million displaced Angolans, the Angolan government has implemented a national plan for addressing the nation's other pressing concerns, such as, political and social-economic stability, in particular increase the level of health and education, as an engine for sustainable economic development.
The results to date are impressive. Recent economic performance continues to be strong, with both the oil and non-oil economy performing well. GDP grew to 23.4% in real terms in 2007 and the growth of 19% is estimated for 2008.
Now the second largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria, Angola will have to adjust its oil production to the quota established forehead by OPEC from January 2008 onwards, one year after it joined the organisation. But the quota - set at 1.9m b/d - is close to current production levels and just slightly under the estimated output at the end of 2007. Three new oil fields are expected to go into production in 2008, with an additional annual oil production forecast at 711m barrels.
Oil production increased 13% as new deepwater oilfields came on line and diamond production rose due to increased output of kimberlite mines.
Despite simultaneous drought and floods conditions in some provinces, agricultural value added increased by 8% due to an increase in the cultivated area. Ongoing construction to rehabilitate and modernize infrastructure benefited the manufacturing sector, which grew by double digits.
Inflation has been decreasing sharply, assisted by increased food supplies, since 2002, from 100% to 12% in 2006. Similar average rate in 2007. At this rate of economic growth, government projects inflation rate to be 10% by 2009.
The budget for 2008, approved in October 2007, included spending for legislative and presidential elections set to take place in 2008 and 2009. In spite of the current economic growth, much remains to be accomplished. Some of the main challenges now facing Angola are improving infrastructure and creating conditions for the economy to diversify, as well as reducing and erradicating poverty. The infraestructure projects includes reabilitation and reconstruction of roads, railroads, bridges, hospitals, schools, sanitation and potable water systems, among others.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In order to mitigate the outlined challenges, the Angolan government has adopted a vision that allows it to act with the understanding that the future will bring profound transforming changes in the improvements of the lives of its population. The country's reconstruction efforts are currently being achieved despite the reluctance of international financial institutions and other sectors of the international community to provide funding. This situation has led to greater levels of cooperation with advanced developing countries, such as China, India, Brazil, among others. In the meantime, the rigorous measures that the Angolan government has gradually taken, especially decisions made regarding balancing acts of macroeconomic nature, coupled with additional considerations such as a review of taxes levied on customs and the creation of incentives for foreign investments, are all part of a new reality that is tangible in Angola.
The Government of Angola, is cognissant of the importance of good governance for the sustainability of economic and social stability. Furthermore, recently, Angola has been considered by many of its partners as a country in constant transformation and committed to its reconstruction and democracy.
International Role
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the late 21st Century, everyone agrees that peace is much more than non- existence of armed conflict. Peace cannot exist outside a frame of social welfare, harmony and justice. So, it is not possible to speak about peace without speaking about democracy, access to culture, respect for human rights and sustainable development. On the other hand, these desirable conditions are, together with globalization and cooperation, the marks of modern life, the cornerstone for the construction of a better world for all peoples.
Despite Angola's civil war, it is worthy mentioning the stabilizing role it played in the struggle for independency of its neighbors, namely Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa; more recently, in the Great Lakes Conflict, in particular in Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo.
For too many years war prevented Angola from fully assuming a role as a regional and international player and economic power house. But that page has turned, Angola's return to the international stage is visible:
In the United Nation, it was elected as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2003, member of ECOSOC (2005), member of Peacebuilding Commission (2006) and member of Council of Human Rights(2006).
Angola supports the Security Council Resolution against international terrorism and cooperates militarily with other countries to meet the resolution objectives.
In the African Union, member of the Peace and Security Council
In SADC, Presidency of Security and Defense Policy Organ.
It is a member of Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC)
The Gulf of Guinea Commission is sponsored by Angola for the period of a year and its Headquarter is located in our capital city – Luanda.
As an African nation, emerging from almost 30 years of civil war, Angola has substantial interest in having effective mechanisms for multilateral cooperation that complement its bilateral and regional relationships.
We trust and expect that Angola's peace dividend will include a significant contribution to greater economic prosperity and stability in the region and beyond.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Angola and USA Bilateral Relations
I would be remiss without reference, even briefly, regarding Angola – US bilateral relations.
After 15 years of formal diplomatic relations with the United States of America - formally established on May 19, 1993 – I am pleased to report that significant benchmarks have been achieved and our bilateral relations are very positive and on the right course.
As we all are aware, Angola, throughout the duration of the armed conflict did not stop supplying oil to the United States –and today provides 10% of the US needs; with the peace it now enjoys, will continue to be a significant energy security partner of the US.
Looking ahead, we hope for effective collaboration with the Congress and wish to arrange a CODEL (Congressional Delegation) to Angola in the near future, in order to witness in loco the "New Angola", for a picture is worth a million words.
Equally it gives me pleasure to announce a visit by the Angolan National Assembly Parliamentarians to the United States of America next month.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, I would like to share that in the next few years Angola has the potential to become a completely transformed country, but, for this to be realized the government, civil society, the private sector and international partners must work together. We have the political will and visionary leadership to move forward. We count on continued cooperation with distinguished partners such as gathered here tonight.
I thank you all.
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