Luanda — Angola's oil sector recorded a substantial growth in the period between 2002 and 2006, both in production and revenues, according to a report from the Episcopal Commission of Justice and Peace, presented Friday in Luanda.

The report that highlights the opening of more oil firms, states that in 2004 the production was estimated at 989 million barrels a day, rising to 1.2 million in 2005 and reaching 1.4 million in 2006.

Presenting the report, the coordinator for economic justice, Ernesto Kambaly, said that the period in respect was chosen as it was marked by an effective recovery of the economy and peace in Angola, with the rise in the production and price of crude oil.

According to the source, the sector recorded a significant transparency, publication of information on revenues, auditing and the subscription by the Government of the United Nations and African Union conventions against Corruption.

The document mentions as well that the access to information on the management of natural resources is a right of all citizens, under which everyone is to participate in the political affairs of the country, concerning the management of public assets.

The report that mentions oil production, its evolution until 2006, the sector's structure, legislation and the country's oil company powers and confidentiality, calls for measures that adjust the pace of growth in the sector, with a view to the Angola's sustainable development.

Addressing the opening of the ceremony, priest Belmiro Cuica Chissengueti said that the world economic crisis places Angola, as an oil producing country, before a great responsibility.

"We have the responsibility to run this resource with wisdom, transparency and sense of history, as it is a non-renewable resource," he stated.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of oil companies that operate in Angola, of the civil society, university students and non-governmental organisations.