Luanda — The search for opportunities for sustainable growth and the strengthening of bilateral relations will be the centre of the second Angola/DRC Economic Forum, to be held on 13-14 this month in Luanda, said Thursday in Luanda the national director for Integration and International Economic Cooperation (DNICEI), Jerónimo Pongolola.

Speaking at the usual briefing of the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP), Jerónimo Pongolola emphasised that the forum will have as theme "economic partnerships for mutual growth", reflecting the commitment of the two nations to seek opportunities for sustainable growth and mutual benefits.

He explained that the forum demonstrates the two nations' commitment to promoting economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties, and that it is in the plan the drafting of a comprehensive action plan for common economic and trade issues, as well as to publicise the measures and reforms implemented by the governments of the two countries.

Jerónimo Pongolola said that the event would be attended by members of the governments of both countries, representatives of public institutes, banking institutions, national and foreign investors and private sector entrepreneurs.

He said that the forum would be an opportunity to discuss economic cooperation between Angola and the DRC, the situation regarding the movement of people and goods across the common border, as well as the business environment and investment promotion.

The 2nd edition of the Angola - DRC Economic Forum will be attended by more than 200 businesspeople from Angola and the DRC.

Angola and the DRC share a common border of 2,511 kilometres. The two nations make up a market of more than 140 million consumers and Angola offers the DRC access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Lobito Corridor.

HEM/AC/MRA/jmc