Luanda — Associations of economists, industrialists, business women and trade unions, Tuesday in Luanda, made contributions and suggestions for the National Governing Plan and the State Budget for 2009.

This was during a meeting with the 5th commission of the National Assembly (Angolan Parliament).

At the session, the Government social partners proposed the reduction of bureaucracy in the process of registration of property, reinforcement of control over financial exercise and re-employment of workers from restructured companies.

The social partners also suggested to the Parliament's Commission on Economy and Finance the elimination of delays in goods clearance from the ports of Luanda and Lobito.

Addressing the session, the chairman of the Association of Angolan Economists, Carlos Gomes, proposed speedier procedures for acquisition of Identity Cards, drivers licence and extension of entry and resident visas for foreigners.

Carlos Gomes also suggested the relaxation of import taxes on school material, particularly for the primary education, and a stricter control over public works contracts.

In his turn, the chairman of the Angolan Industrial Association (AIA), José Severino, spoke out for measures to boost the current 10 percent growth index in the non-oil sector.

He also spoke for measures to improve road traffic in Luanda, in order to secure a major productivity in the national reconstruction process and acceleration of the country's economy.

Norberto Coelho, who spoke on behalf of the National Union of Angolan Workers (UNTA) suggested the registration of extinct firms with the National Institution of Social Security (INSS), and institutionalisation of the subsidies for common diseases and unemployment.

After the meeting, the chairman of the Parliament's 5th Commission, Diógenes de Oliveira, said the meeting served to note down the contributions from the social partners and strengthen the relations between the State and the representatives of the civil society.

As he said, the social partners are in a better position to come up with concerns of their affiliates to enrich the two documents ahead of their submission to the National Assembly for approval.