From: 05/2002, To: 05/2003

GOVT PASSES PROGRAMME FOR BENGO PROVINCE

Luanda, 05/12 - A programme to improve and increase the supply of basic services for the population of the Northern Bengo province was approved recently by Angola`s Cabinet Council, according to the official gazzette.

The decision is grounded on the level of degradation of the social and economic infrastructures and the difficult humanitarian situation facing the population in most provinces, as a result of he war which revaged the country for over two decades.

The programme foresees the relaunch of the social and economic activity in Bengo, once the peace environment existing in the country creates the premises for an effective implementation of projects of great social impact which had been postponed due to the war.

Under this project, the Government wants to rehabilitate, expand and construct social infrastrcures that provides citizens with access to health, education, taking into account the restrictions imposed by shortage of resources.

To rehabilitate the roads network, acquisition and installation of generator groups, improvement and expansion of energy plus water networks are also components of the programme.

Bengo province presents a general framework of shortages and constraints which obstruct its full social and economic development and a better using of the means and resources, thanks to the high level of destrution of its infrastructures, what affect people`s living standards and economic structures.

Bengo has a population estimated at 500,000 inhabitants in an area of 41,000 square kilometres.
 

TECHNIP WINS $780 MLN ANGOLA CONTRACTS
Reuters
Tuesday May 6, 3:05 pm ET


PARIS, May 6 (Reuters) - French oil services firm Technip-Coflexip said on Tuesday it had won a total $780 million share in two contracts for the development of the Dalia oil field, offshore Angola.

The two contracts were awarded by TotalFinaElf (Paris:TOTF.PA - News) Angola E&P. Technip said in a statement the first contract, valued at about $640 million, involved the floating, production, storage, offloading facility (FPSO) for which it is acting as leader of a joint venture including Saipem (Milan:SPMI.MI - News) and Stolt Offshore (NasdaqNM:SOSA - News) and a group of engineering and building firms.

Technip said its share of the contract was worth $200 million. The second contract worth about $580 million involves the subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines ("SURF" package). Technip's share is 100 percent in this contract, it said.



USA: LUANDA BID TO JOIN WECP DISCUSSED

FUND FOR SOCIAL SUPPORT INVESTS IN BENGUELA

Benguela, 04/28 - The Fund for Social Support (fAS) will invest this year in the rehabilitation and building of basic infrastructures in the districts of Bocoio and Balombo in the Central Benguela Province, under a third loan, whose amount will be approved by the Angolan Government and the World Bank.

For ist implementation, Fas has been carried out a training programme for agents of communitary development, in order to assure a major supporting of projects being financed by this organism.

Thus, 28 communitary agents, among them Administrators, are attending on Monday a workshop on the strategic and operational planning, under Fas responsability. It ends on May 09, 2003.

Fas invested last year 2,700,000 dollars in social projects in Benguela, Lobito and Baia Farta districts.

 

MINING COMPANIES VIE FOR ANGOLAN DIAMONDS
By Sheryl Katz

(Rapaport April 28, 2003) A new diamond mine, Luarica, was inaugurated in the northeastern Lunda Norte Province, Angola on miners day, April 27, 2003. Luarica alluvial diamond concession is a joint venture between the Angolan state mining company, Endiama, and Trans Hex of South Africa.

The Luarica concession is an already well-established mining area and has already delineated reserves exceeding 1,700,000 carats and is expected to yield more than 400,000 carats annually at an expected market price of over $250 per carat.

Currently Endiama is involved in brokering another much-debated joint venture with De Beers. An agreement between the two would grant Endiama exploration and mining rights for Angolan diamonds, which would then be marketed worldwide through De Beers. ASCORP, the Angolan state-controlled monopoly partly owned by Israeli diamantaire Lev Leviev, will then loose its exclusive marketing rights of Angolan diamonds for the formal market, which it has controlled since De Beers suspended operations in Angola.

It is not yet clear who will market diamonds yielded from the Luarica mine, however the mine certainly spells more competition for both De Beers and Russian diamond monopoly, ALROSA, which recently announced plans to invest $85 million in two new mining companies in Angola, namely Camatchia-Camagico and Hydrochicapa.

GOVT APPROVES FUNDING FOR DIAMONDS CUTTING FACTORY

Luanda, 04/25 - The Angolan Government on Friday here approved a funding for the construction of a diamond`s cutting factory, during a Cabinet`s Council meeting chaired by the Head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos.

The factory will constitute an added value to the country`s diamond sector, helping avoid the exportation of raw diamond, said the Board Chairman of state-owned "Endiama" diamonds firm, Manuel Arnaldo Calado.

The group which will finance the project has already been identified, he said adding that "what matters is that this firm be started up as soon as possible".

The Cabinet Council also approved a pay rise for Agostinho Neto University lecturers, magistrates, Army and the Home Ministry.

BRAZILIAN COOPERATION IN AGRICULTURE REINFORCED

Luanda, 04/23 - Cooperation at the scientific, commercial level and staff training as well as import of matrixes for cattle on Tuesday topped a meeting here between Angolan agriculture minister Gilberto Lutukuta and Brazilian ambassador Jorge Tonai.

Minister Lutukuta told reporters afterwards that the meeting looked into aspects linked to cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture as well as the possibility of Angolans having some training seminars in Brazil through the Intra-Angola organisation.

The "Agripek-Tecnologias" firm of Brazil and Intraco-Angola this month signed an agreement providing for a capacity building seminar for Angolan livestock especialists.

"It is possible that this accord be implemented this year because there have been some timid contacts in a few areas of our sectors related to research and supply of research means namely working tools and books", he said.

According to the minister, this action may in the short term soldify the relations between Brazil`s "Embrapa" fishing company and Angola research centres in the areas of agronomy and veterinary science.

ANGOLA: INDUSTRY MINISTER VISITS FACTORIES IN LUANDA

Luanda, 04/23 - Angola`s Industry Minister Mr Joaquim David visited Wednesday four industrial units in Luanda, namely the factories of plastics "Casa Kebo", soap "Rogerio Leal e Filhos", gas "Saigas", and of oxygen and azote "Angases", aiming to find out about their functioning.

The minister started to visit the plastics factory "Casa Kebo Limitada", that produces actually about 960 bags daily and has 65 workers.

The investments spent for the start of this manufacturing unit, inaugurated in April 4th, are assessed at USD 3-million and the machinery was acquired in Taiwan, China.

Joaquim David went afterwards to soap factory, belonging to "Rogerio Leal & Filho Lda" group, where he was informed that the unit is still on experience stage.

The investments used in this factory, which might be inaugurated in next June, are estimated at USD 3-million. The undertaking, whose construction works started in 2001, manufactures about 100 tons of soap per day and employs at least 23 workers.

CHINA WILLING TO INVEST IN BENGUELA

Benguela, 04/22 - The Chinese Ambassador to Angola, Jiande Yuande, said here that his government is interested to invest on socio-economic projects in central Benguela province, in the framework of the existing bilateral cooperation with Angola.

After visiting the residual waters treatment station, the diplomat explained that his visit aims to assess the projects, which will allow to identify areas of investments to support the country`s reconstruction process.

He added that economic feasibility studies, to be worked out in partnership with the local government, will be submitted to the judgement of the Chinese business ranks.

The expansion of residual waters treatment system is a government priority, with a view to assist Benguela population, in an extensive way.

With six water purification reservoirs, the said system serves only 30 per cent of Benguela city.

 

ANGOLA: PLANNING MINISTER, WORLD BANK DIRECTOR VISIT CUANZA-SUL

ANGOLA: WORLD BANK APPROVES 125M US DOLLAR GRANT
April 16, 2003 11:18pm

ANGOLA: SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK TO INVEST IN PROJECTS
April 16, 2003 2:17pm

 South African bank would like to invest in four Angolan economic sectors: telecommunications, electricity, fisheries and agricultural. The bank's first choice was made known during its first exploratory visit to Angola since peace was established a year ago.

LUANDA WATER SUPPLY FIRM PRESENTS PROJECTS WORTH US 169 MILLION

DBSA TO FUND ENERGY, TRANSPORTS PROJECTS

Luanda, April 09 - The Southern Africa Development Bank (DBSA) will fund development projects in the sectors of production, transports, distribution and the trading of energy from the National Electricity Company (ENE).

It was announced Wednesday, in Luanda during a meeting between the officials of that banking institution of South Africa and the members of ENE`s managing board.

During the meeting, the officials of Angola`s electrical sector informed the banking delegation that the most of the projects that are being developed by the company are the rehabilitation of infrastructures for the restoring of the energy production`s capacities, mainly in the south and central zones of the country.

According to ENE`s chairman of the board Mr Eduardo Nelumba, DBSA showed the predisposition of participating in the rehabilitation and development of the national electrical infrastructures` process.

He added that, it constitutes his company`s priority to have hydric producing (dams) functioning regularly, as well as transportation and supplying sector.

The other sector that will deserve special attention, according to him, is the trading one, as these fundings will demand returns.

The rehabilitation and development`s process of the country electrical system is estimated at USD 500-million.

DBSA`s delegation, that has been in the country since Saturday, has already met the ministers of finance, planning, public works and some private and public sector`s companies.
 

APPROVED LOAN ACCORDS GRANTED BY AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

Luanda, April 09 - Two loan agreements granted by African Development Fund (FAD) estimated at USD 16,2-million were approved on Wednesday here by the Standing Commission of the Cabinet Council.

The referred amounts, according to a press communique released at the end of the meeting, chaired by Angolan president José eduardo dos Santos aim to fund part of the expenses of fishing`s development project, nation wide and the rehabilitation programme of health services in northern Uige province.

The granted loan will be refunded in 40 years with a 10 years of free period and an interest rate of one per cent.

The Government also approved the treasury`s financial planning for the second quarter of this year, according to the document.

The expenses inscribed in the planning were estimated with base in the incomes to be collected, at the period, and aim to guarantee the normal functioning of the Government`s activity, rendering of public services, the implementation of public investments` bill and to honour the State`s internal and external fixed charges.

At this session was learnt also the actual condition of talks between the National Diamond Company (ENDIAMA) and its South African counterpart De Beers.

The Government was informed about the execution of the Professional Reconversion Programme, which had its start in 1999 and reaches the non-technical staff entailed to Civil Servant.

FINANCE MINISTRY TO AUDIT OIL COMPANIES

Luanda, 04/08 - Angola`s Finance Ministry, through Taxes` National Management, intends to hire a specialised international company with capacity and competence to audit official statements and the accounts of oil companies relating to 2002 fiscal practice.

It was announced on Tuesday by the institution`s spokesperson, Mr Bastos de Almeida, speaking to the purpose of a public session, for the explanation of the objectives of auditing process, to be held in April 21, in Luanda.

The official said that ``usually the companies declare wrong results, below the real value,`` admitting that the Ministry of Finance found out that these indicate values which are not their real incomes.

There are companies that have two book-keepings, among them one that reflects the declared values, which are above these that the company pays tax, and the other obscure and subterranean towards the non declared values``, he underlined.

PRESIDENT ASSURED OF US PRIVATE INVESTMENTS

Luanda, 4/7 - President José Eduardo dos Santos Monday in Luanda was assured by US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) serious investment in the country`s private sector.

After an audience with the Angolan Head of State, OPIC President Peter Watson said his company`s mission is to help the development of Angola through the private sector.

Peter Watson explained that the areas of investments have already been identified and his institution, as well as the government, opted for housing, transports, rehabilitation of infrastructures and Petroleum.

He announced that a group of specialists will be working in Angola as from May this year.

PRESIDENT TO RECEIVE US PRIVATE INVESTMENT CHAIRMAN

Luanda, 04/07 - Angolan head of state, José Eduardo dos Santos, is receiving today in Luanda the chairman of the US Private Investment Agency, Peter Watts.

Matters connected with the American Investment in the country will be the focus of the Angolan President`s audience to the USA businessman.

Angola wants a greater participation of American investments in various areas with a view to meeting the challenges of national reconstruction.

WORLD BANK BOOST TO REINTEGRATION PROGRAMME

Africa, Mon 31 Mar 2003

© IRINJOHANNESBURG, - The World Bank (WB) on Monday said two recently approved projects for Angola worth nearly US $50 million would bolster reconstruction and economic recovery efforts following decades of civil war."From all indications the government and other interested parties are committed to lasting peace which is encouraging for the donor community. The grant signals that the World Bank supports this new dispensation and hopes to maintain this renewed trust between ourselves and the government," World Bank Country Manager in Luanda, Laurence Clarke, told IRIN.

The bulk of the funds (US $33 million) will go toward supporting the government's existing demobilisation, resettlement and reintegration programme."Although the funds are not earmarked for any specific activity within the program there is consideration for the rebuilding of infrastructure, especially schools and clinics in those communities where people are resettling," Clarke added.The Bank's assistance comes amid growing concerns over the slow pace of delivery of assistance to ex-UNITA combatants. In December last year the government cited financial difficulties as a reason for the delay and requested support from the international community. Demobilised soldiers have been promised the equivalent of US $100 and resettlement packages consisting of blankets, seeds, and tools. Officials also say they will try to find suitable land where ex-combatants can settle.However, by the end of January 2003 about 90,000 ex-combatants had undergone the registration process while an estimated 15,000 were still waiting to move to their designated reception areas from the provinces, as well as from neighbouring countries.

The government now estimates that it may take up to one year to transfer the remaining ex-combatants and their dependants from their present locations to a total of over 600 areas designated for their resettlement. "We welcome the World Bank initiative but the government must ensure that this money is spent in all parts of Angola and not just in Luanda. We also urge greater transparency in how the money is spent. This will go a long way to showing the international community that we [Angola] are serious about good governance," UNITA foreign secretary Alcides Sakala told IRIN.Clarke said the remaining US $17 million would finance the Economic Management Technical Assistance project which would increase transparency in public resource management."One of the conditions before any of the money is disbursed is that a free-standing financial and auditing system be set up within the government. There will be regular auditing to assess just exactly how the money is being used," Clarke told IRIN.Angola has in the past been accused of corruption and last year the International Monetary Fund found that nearly US $1 billion had disappeared from government finances in 2001. The government has dismissed the allegations.

ANGOLA EYES PORTUGAL NATGAS INVESTMENT - PAPER
Saturday March 29, 6:17 am ET

DIAMONDS. NEW SPARKLE TO ANGOLA
March 28, 2003 7:38pm

COCA COLA TO INVEST US 50 MILLION WITHIN FIVE YEARS

Luanda, 03/25 - The Us Coca Cola Company will invest in the forthcoming five years in Angola us 50 million dollars to increase its projects, on Tuesday here assured the President for the Southern and East Africa division, Douglas Jackson.

Douglas Jackson, who was addressing press after his arrival, said this investment will be focused at the improvement of infrastructures and material in different areas of the industry of non alcoholic and soft drink products, as well as in social projects.

"As From now, we pretend to possibility that our investments goes also towards microeconomics, where there are a high number of employees people", said Douglas Jackson.

In the social field, added the source, Coca Coca intends to invest in programmes for the fighting against Hiv/aids, environmental, educational and improvement of water quality. We intend to adopt and provide material for some schools, mainly those ones located in the communities where the firm develops its businesses.

Meanwhile, Douglas Jackson announced that the company is awaiting for an authorization from the Angolan Government to carry out a programme of can picking for the subsequent recycling process.

We have a similar project in South Africa which provides jobs for about 7.000 people and we intend to do the same in Angola. We will not only pick up Coca Coca cans, but all others existent in the market.

Douglas Jackson will be audienced by the Angolan Head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, this afternnon. He is in Angola accompanied by Carl Willis And Andre Parker, regional Director for the Central Africa, and President for Africa and Asia of Sab Miller (Coca bottler in Angola), respectively.

The team is also expected to meet with Government officers and partners and will visit the Northern Cabinda plus Central Benguela provinces.

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE WORKS IN KUANDO KUBANGO

Menongue, 03/20 - The Angolan Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gilberto Buta Lutukuta, is in Kuando Kubango Province since Thursday for a two-day working visit to learn more on the difficulties of the sector in there.

Mr. Lutukuta already met with the members of the provincial Government, the local Agriculture and Rural Development plus Fisheries delegations with whom he analysed the viabilities for the implementation of agricultural programmes.

His programme includes visits to the irrigation channels of the agricultural field of Missombo, the cattle vaccination waterspout, the Bumbwa agricultural farm and to the integrated project of the Forestry Development Institute (IDF).

Gilberto Lutukuta will visit, on Friday, the locality of Caiundo, some 14 kilometres from the city of Menongue.

The delegation is made up by national director of Cattle Breeding, Agrarian Development institute (IDA), representatives of the hydraulic board and of IDF.

GOVERNMENT TO INVEST US 1.408.000 IN BASIC SERVICES

ENE TO IMPROVE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN KUITO

Kuito, 03/20 - Angola National Electricity Company (ENE) will shortly improve the energy supply in Kuito the capital city of Angola`s central Bie province assured on Thursday the company official in that province Mr Antonio Madureira.

Mr Madureira said that the improvement of the electricity supply in Kuito is depending of the maintenance and recovery of a 1 250 kva generator group to back up the other one with the same potency.

``With the functioning of the two generator groups all the the city`s districts will benefit from the electricity``, he said.

The peripheral wards and some parts of the city are not supplied of electricity since a year, after a breakdown detected in the generator.

PRESIDENT OF THE PORTUGUESE INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION VISITS THE COUNTRY

Luanda, 03/14 - The president of the Portuguese Industrial Association, Jorge Rocha de Matos, will visit Angola, on the 17th and 18th of the current month, to assess new investment and associative and enterprise cooperation opportunities.

The Portuguese delegation will be made of politic members, associators and will hold meeting with Angolan and Portuguese businesspeople with investments in Angola.

Jorge Rocha de Matos`s departure from Portugal to Angola is inserted in ambit of the strengthening of enterprise and economic affairs between the two countries.

The portuguese industrial and enterprise association has foreseen the opening of a joint delegation in Luanda, having the two parts confirmed their presence in the Luanda International Fair - "FILDA 2003".

GOVERNMENT TO CREAT AGENCY FOR PRIVATE INVESTMENT

Luanda, 03/13 - The Director of the Institute of Foreign Investments, Carlos Fernandes, on Thursday here announced that the Government will creat soon, the National Agency for the Private Investment, to promote local initiatives.

Mr. Carlos Fernandes said so after a meeting with the visiting French businessmen team, who is in Angola since Monday.

Carlos Fernandes, who did not give further details on the matter, added that the team want to invest in the sector of industry, infrastructures, tourism, banking, commerce and basic sanitation.
 

INVESTMENTS: TELECOMMUNICATIONS, CONSTRUCTION, OIL THE MAIN TARGETS

Luanda, 03/13 - The sectors of telecommunications, construction, oil and services are the main targets of proposals for foreign investments in Angola, on Thursday here said the Director of the Institute of Foreign Investments, Carlos Fernandes.

Carlos Fernandes, who was speaking after a meeting with the visiting French businessmen team, added that the environment of peace has been the great factor stimulating of the investment.

He added that the sectors of industry, infrastructures, tourism, banking, basic sanitation and commerce are the priorities of the French traders, who end their visit on Friday.
 

HUÍLA: GOVERNMENT INVESTS USD 40 MILLIONS IN INFRASTRUCTURES

Lubango, 03/13 - Forty million Usd will be used as from this year by the Government of southern Huíla province for the rehabilitation of the main social infrastructures destroyed by the war in the region.

According to the provincial governor, Ramos da Cruz, the above mentioned amount will be spent in two years, that is 20 million per year, and the programme aims mainly at the recovery of health, education and public administration infrastructures.

The rehabilitation of the infrastructures of energy, water, roads and bridges, as well the recovery of the farming activity, are also included in the programme that covers the province`s 14 districts.

A specific programme for the business sector, namely the construction one will be implemented as well, with a view to the rapid development of the localities more affected by the armed conflict, the source also said.

The amount was approved at the Cabinet Council Standing Commission meeting that took place in November 2002, at Matala district.

FRANCE'S ENTREPRENEURS AVAILABLES FOR COUNTRY REBUILDING

Luanda, 03/12 - The visiting French entrepreneurs on Wednesday here expressed available to participate at Angola`s reconstruction in all sectors, mainly in those one not directly linked to the oil activity.

They revealed it during an audienced with the Angola`s Industry Minister, Joaquim David, who, in behalf of his Prime, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos "Nando", received the six-men French team, led by Jacques Blanche.

The delegation is since Monday in Luanda to explore possiblities to set up partnership with Angolan congenerous firms in the fields of infrastructures, Industry, Agriculture, Construction, Tourism, Basic Sanitation, Commerce, Banking and Services.

The traders belong to the French Firm-related Movement (Medef), an assiciation which gathers small and medium firms.

HUAMBO: ENERGY AND WATER AFFAIRS MINISTER VISITS NGOVE DAM

Huambo, 03/12 - Angola`s Energy and Water Affairs minister Mr Botelho de Vasconcelos has arrived on Wednesday morning in southern Huambo province to assess the work of his sector, having visited Ngove dam located 12 km off Huambo city.

In the afternoon, the minister will visit Cuando hydro-electric plant situated in Huambo city. On Thursday, he will visit the industrial zone, sub power station of Benfica and the town electricity transformation`s Station.

Includes also on his agenda a meeting with the local governors, aiming to analyse the estabished perspectives, towards the sector development in the province.

The minister will also be informed about the current framework of the province`s Energy and Water Affairs sector, in particular, in Huambo and Caala cities.

The minister delegation will also discuss, with the local governors, the fulfilment degree of a protocol signed between the minister and Huambo governor, Mr Paulo Cassoma, whose content was not yet disclosed.

Mr Botelho de Vasconcelos is scheduled to return to Luanda on Thursday afternoon.

BENGUELA: CEMENT FACTORY INCREASES OUTPUT LEVELS

Benguela, 03/12 - ENCIME a cement factory located at Lobito district in Angola`s south-west Benguela province intends to set up a new mill capable to produce about 200 tons of cement a year until the end of this year aiming the expansion of the market.

According to company`s manager, Mr Aires Buster, the intention is to expand ENCIME`s influence in the country`s inland provinces, specially in the Central and South zones, for having the high level of demand towards the current 70 000 tons of cement produced annually.

He added that, with the triplication of the production rates, it aims to satisfy the market needs, according to quality`s strict control, despite of some of the country`s regions have been importing cement from neighbouring Namibia.

Another cement company "Tecnosecil" will get from ENCIME an exploration management`s contract for ten years, expecting to produce more than 100 000 tons of cement in two years time.

GOVERNMENT AIMS TO CREATE 40.000 JOBS

Luanda, 03/11 - The agricultural sub-programme of Benguela Provincial Government for 2003/2004 expects to create about 40 000 jobs, states a press release from the Council of the Province that is holding a meeting since Tuesday.

According to the communique, the sub-programme, under discussion, preconizes the direct assistance to more than 600 local farmers, besides the substantial increase of cultivable areas.

During the meeting, chaired by the province governor Mr Dumilde Rangel, the Council of the Province`s members will be informed about the development programme for improvement and offer raising of basic social services for the population, with the implementation scheduled for 2003/2004.

This programme, which aims to intervene in the sectors of health, education, telecommunications, energy and water, sanitation and others, is assessed at USD 40-million.

The meeting of the Province`s Council, the first of this year, will present the first version of the Government annual report and the activities` plan for 2003.

The meeting, scheduled to end Tuesday, will count with the participation of representatives from nine municipalities of Benguela province namely Lobito, Bocoio, Balombo, Ganda, Cubal, Caimbambo, Benguela, Baia Farta and Chongoroi.

US AMBASSADOR DELIVERS AIRPORT SECURITY EQUIPMENT

Luanda, 02/27 - US ambassador to Angola Christopher Dell Thursday made the formal delivery of security equipment to Luanda`s "4 de Fevereiro" international airport. > The million Dollars worth equipment which has been in operation for a week consists of three ports with nine metal detectors, four X-Ray machines and four explosive detectors.

According to the Angolan civil aviation director, Helder Preza, the equipment will greatly help increase safe protection of airports and their users. In his turn, ambassador Chris Dell noted that the move represented the opening of a new front in the global campaign against terrorism.

"It represents a step forward in the safety of the United States itself and of the countries of the world fighting the scourge of terrorism (...) which respects no borders, neither innocent people", he said.

The offer is said as part of the "Safe Skies for Africa" initiative in which Angola is one of the eight countries invited to participate in the programme together with Cameroon, Cape-Verde, Cote d`Ivoire, Kenya, Mali, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

The specific goal of the initiative is to increase from two to eight the number of Sub-Saharan Africa countries complying with the security standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Ambassador Dell added that this complements his government`s efforts towards concluding the "Open Skies" accords with strategic African nations and promoting the understanding of code sharing between the States and African carriers.

AVIATION: COOPERATION WITH USA CONSIDERED IMPORTANT

Luanda, 27/02 - The national civil aviation`s director, Helder Preza, classified as "extremely important" the current cooperation between Angola and the United States of America in the aviation field.

Helder Preza was speaking on Thursday during the formal hand in of security equipments to the "4 de Fevereiro" international airport, in Luanda, from the United States of America, made by the ambassador of this country in Angola, Christopher Dell.

The material which has been working for a week, is estimated at USD 1-million and has three porticos with nine metal detectors; four X-ray machines, two for hold luggages and two for hand luggages; two explosive detecting machines.

According to Helder Preza, the devices will serve for the secure strengthening and protection of the airports and their users, being that "Security has no price", an opinion corroborated by the director of the "4 de Fevereiro" international airport, Celso Rosas.

On his turn, the acting president and general director of National Airports and Air Navigation Company (ENANA), Jorge de Mello, said that it is matter of one more important step and assured that the cooperation will continue.

USA ambassador, Christopher Dell, affirmed that the act sets up the starting of one more global campaign front on the fight against terrorism. "It represents one step ahead, in the security of the United States and of the world`s countries in the fight against the terrorism plague (...) which neither respect borders, nor innocent people", he declared.

The donation is inserted in the initiative "Safe Skies For Africa", Angola being amongst the eight countries invited to participate in the programme, together with Cameroon, Cape-Verde, Ivory Coast, Kenia, Mali, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Within the specific objectives it is foreseen to move from two to eight the number of southern African countries who fulfil with the security rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization (OIAC).

According to a press release from the American embassy, the initiative complements the efforts of its government and foresees concluding the agreements "Open Skies" with strategic African countries and promoting code exchange understandings between the USA and African air way companies.

LAW ON CONSUMERS DEFENCE PASSED

Luanda, 02/27 - The Angolan National Assembly Thursday passed with ammendments a Law on Consumers Defence as a means to promote the consumers interests and secure the reparation of abuses and harmful practises in the production and distribution of goods and services.

Presenting the Bill was Trade Vice-Minister Cruz Neto who explained that the law was chiefly dictated by the must for the State to intervene in the protection of consumers without harming and altering the market process.

This is because consumption today is the principal source of conflicts in the legal and economic relations prompting the need for consumers protection by the State, he said.

The Law declares the right of consumers to health and security, to information and demand of the quantities and quality agreed upon as well as the right to freedom of choice and contracting equality plus efficient provision of public services.

It also provides the civil responsibility consisting in the must to compensate for the damage caused to the consumer by imposing administrative sanctions ranging from the aprehension of the product to temporary suspension or interdiction of the commercial activity.

The 38-article Law was approved with 130 votes in favour and four abstentions.

SONANGOL, ESSO ANNOUNCE 3 BILLION DOLLARS PROJECT

Luanda, 02/19 - Angola National Oil Society(Sonangol) and Esso Exploration Angola announced Wednesday a new deep waters development project to produce 250,000 barrels of oil per day, worth 3 billion U.S. Dollars. A Sonangol note says that the project, named Kizomba-b, is situated in block 15 and will recover about one billion barrels. With the new project, the two campanies want to develop the already discovered Kissanje and Dikanza wells ranging between 1,007 and 1,037 metres deep. It will include a surface platform associated to submarine wells connected to a ship with a capacity to store 2.2 million barrels of oil, being the third project in the block 15.

In 2001, Esso started the construction of Kizomba-a in the same block and which will recover about one billion barrels from Hungo and Chocalho camps, whose first production is expected to come out by the end of 2004.

In July 2002, Esso announced the construction of Xikomba project, in deep waters, also in block 15, expected to explore approximately 100 million barrels and produce 80,000 barrels per day.

Its first production is expected out by the end of this year becoming the first production of the block.

The contracting group is made up of the following companies Esso Exploration Angola, BP Exploration, Agip Angola, Exploration B.V. and Statoil Angola block 16.

WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM NEEDS USD 84-M FOR ITS REHABILITATION

Luanda, 02/12 - About USD 84-million is the amount needed for the rehabilitation of the 650 km of Luanda`s water supply network.

According to the projects` administrator of the Luanda`s Water Supply Company (EPAL), Mr Luvumbu Vita, this amount does not bear the costs of maintenance nor the rehabilitation of the equipment`s production.

At the moment, the company carries out ``Curative maintenances`` with means that it possesses, repairing some damages to attenuate the situation. Mr Luvumbu Vita said that the preventive maintenance is being planned out, bearing in mind that it envolves high costs.

Due to the long time of existance and the conduit`s degradation, there are difficulties on water shelling and constant losses, contributing in certain way for its irregular water supply.

Other irregularity caused by the obsolete condition of the system is the introduction of strange bodies, susceptible of reducing the water quality. At the moment, EPAL is executing maintenance works at the system III, leaving Luanda partially without water.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SEEKS COOPERATION

Atlanta, Feb 12 - United States Georgia University is seeking to set up cooperation with Angolan higher education institutions, aimed at providing higher degree training for Angolans in the USA.

This intention was disclosed at a meeting over the weekend between the Angolan ambassador to the USA, Josefina Pitra Diakite, and members of that University managing board and teaching staff, represented by Glenn C. Ames, who is the head of the office for public and international affairs.

The University of Georgia wants to attract Angolan academicians and students in the field of research for the departments of Luso-Brazilian and African Studies and thereby increase the number of Angolan students in that institution.

Agriculture, economic and family sciences, consumption and computer technology are the main fields of study the university of Georgia wants to offer to Angolans. The University intends to invite Angolan academicians for study and research visits, under funds from that institution.

At present, there are fifteen Angolans studying in the mentioned University, within a group of Portuguese speaking students, with Brazil and Cape Verde comprising the largest section of the community. The University board considers that the climate of peace being enjoyed now in Angola provides a unique opportunity for them to increase the academic cooperation with Angolan universities.

The University of Georgia has a larger cooperation in Africa with English speaking countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

LUANDA HOSTS 39TH WTO AFRICA CONFERENCE

Luanda, 11/02 - Angolan capital Luanda will be hosting the 39th conference of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) Africa Commission on May 27-30.

Hotelry and Tourism Minister Jorge Valentim told a Luanda newsconference on Tuesday that delegations of 52 member countries will attend the gathering in a bid to create a new African touristic image and debate the development of a tourism combined with the transport sector.

Commenting on the package of exchange and monetary measures recently adopted by his government as a means to stop the dollarisation of the economy, the minister noted that those measures will have positive effects on tourism. He expressed hope that by the start of the conference, the credit cards service will have been available as most tourists seem to use electronic money only.

According to the minister, a taskforce coordinated by himself has been set up to deal with the preparations of the conference.

GOVERNMENT APPROVES DRAFT LAW ON PRIVATE INVESTMENT

On 31 January, the Council of Ministers approved a draft Law on Private Investment that will replace the current one.

The new text is intended to de-bureaucratise and simplify all administrative procedures related to investment, establishing the system of prior declaration, where a final decision on investments of between US$50,000 and US$5 million will be taken within 15 days. Investments exceeding US$5 million, subject to the contract system, will be approved by the Council of Ministers within 30 days.

The future Law on Private Investment makes no distinction between national and foreign investors, taking into account only the origin of the capital invested and not, as hitherto, the nationality or country of residence of the investor. All will be treated in the same manner, without any special privileges.

The text states that creating a favourable legal climate for private investment necessarily depends on the setting out of a policy of tax incentives and benefits, as an instrument of macro-economic policy to stimulate and attract financial capital, qualified human resources and know-how.

In this connection, the Council of Ministers also approved a draft Law on Tax and Customs Incentives for Private Capital, aimed at regulating procedures and the types and modalities of tax incentives and benefits to be granted within the framework of the future Law on Private Investment.

It covers ‘investments to be made in special economic development areas and sectors of activity the State wishes to stimulate’.

The law sets the maximum period of exemption from industrial tax payment at 15 years and gives special attention to investments of between US$50,000 and US$250,000 aimed at developing small and micro-companies and promoting the development of the most deprived areas.

An important aspect is the benefits accorded to importers of medium- and long-haul transport facilities, who are exempt from duty payments in the case of new vehicles and pay 50 percent for second hand ones.

 

GOVERNMENT GRANTS USD 125 MILLION FOR EX-UNITA SOLDIERS ( In AngolaPress )

Uige, 01/29 - Angola`s Minister of Assistance and Social Reinsertion, Mr Joao Baptista Kussumua, said Tuesday, here, that the Government made available about USD 125 million for the integration of ex-UNITA soldiers and their families.

Speaking at the end of his visit, which lasted for some hours, to northern Uige province, at the extend of the official opening of kits` delivery process for demobilized soldiers and their resettlement at Vale do Loge and Umba sheltering centres, the minister added that about four million displaced people were already resettled all over the country.

More than 6,000 people will benefit from these kits that contain tools, kitchenwares, blankets and cosmetics. He appealed the beneficiaries to use the kits themselves and avoid selling it.

The minister`s delegation that visited Uige province was made up by the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Pinda Simao, the representative of UNITA Political Commission, Mr Anibal Candeia and Portugal`s ambassador to Angola, Mr Francisco Xavier Esteves.

BENGUELA: ENVIRONMENT'S FRIENDS DEVELOP PROTECTION PROJECTS ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 01/29 - The Association of Environment`s Friends and Protectors (ADAMA), will implement during 2003 school year, a project of preservation, and sanitation of the environment, in the cities of Benguela, Lobito and Baia Farta village.

ADAMA representative in Lobito, Mr Joaquim Teixeira Tshombe, wednesday said the project, called ``Healthy School``, will reach 12 schools selected by inspectors of the education sectors in those localities.

He explained that the project`s goal is to educate students on the need to preserve the schools and protect the environment.

PRESIDENT REINAUGURATES BRIDGE OVER KWANZA RIVER ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 01/25 - President José Eduardo dos Santos Friday officially reopened the bridge over Kwanza River, 70 kms to south of Luanda, which had been closed for rehabilitation works 21 months ago.

The 9,20 metres width and 420 metres length bridge with the capacity to hold up a maximum of 60 tons, is the main connection way between Luanda and the country`s centre and south through the litoral.

The works, worth 7.8 million dollars were carried out by Portuguese building company "Teixeira Duarte".

Out of this amount, 1.560.000 dollars were granted by the Angolan Government, through the investments programme, and 6.240.000 dollars were disbursed by the African Bank of Investments (BAI).

Sources with the National Roads Institutes (INEA) say the works consisted of the replacement of the bridge`s suspension cables, in accordance with the new building tendencies, and improvement of concrete pillars (joints, towers and carriageways).

It adds that was also integrally repaired the anti-corrosive protection of the metallic structure supporting the carriageway, with the application of revestiments of new generation paintings and high fidelity, among other works.

The bridge was built between 1970 and 1975. During the war, it sustained rolling overloads that led to its collapse.

CAPANDA HYDROELECTRIC DAM READY IN SIX MONTHS TIME ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 01/24 - Two of the intended four turbines for Capanda Hydroelectric Dam (northern province of Malange), with the capacity to produce 130 megawatts of electrical power each, will start operating in six months time.

This was announced Thursday in Luanda by the director of "Medio Kwanza Development Department" (GAMEK), Jose Sonenberg.

The directo also told the Angolan minister for Energy and Water, Botelho de Vasconcelos, during a visit to GAMEK headquarters, that with the two turbines being put into operation, the first stage of the project will be completed. The second stage is expected to start in the year 2004.

Today, the minister is to travel to Malange province to visit the site in order to see the progress of the works being done on the dam. Capanda will at the end have a capacity of 520 megawatts of power to supply the centre and the south of the country. The Capanda Hydroelectric Dam, located in the River Kwanza Basin, is the biggest civil engineering undertaking in Angola. The project is coordinated by Angolan, Brazilian and Russian technicians.

RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX TO BENEFIT 1,000 FAMILIES ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 01/23 - A residential complex, consisting of 1,000 economic houses, will be handed over on Friday, at Panguila commune, in Cacuaco municipality, to benefit the same number of families who lived in areas of pluvial water`s drainage ditch of Luanda.

Speaking on this purpose, the national director of Public Works` Ministry Mr Jose Andre "Joanes", said that the works, in charge of the Chinese company "Golden Nest International (PTY) Lda", lasted three months and costed nearly 7.4 million. The twin-houses have three bed-rooms,one bath-room, one sitting-room, one kitchen and a yard each.

At the local was built a water treatment station with a capacity of 700,000 cubic metres of drinking water and a primary school which is still under construction. Angop has learned that the project is divided into three stages: the first is the one which will be inaugurated on Friday and the second and the third ones comprise the construction of other 1,250 residences for each phase, within the next three years.

PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AND GAMBARI DISCUSS FUTURE UN MISSION ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 01/23 - The Angolan Parliament Speaker, Roberto de Almeida, discussed today in Luanda, with the UN Deputy Secretary General, Ibrahim Gambari, this world body`s future mission in Angola.

After the meeting, Gambari told the press that they analysed with his interlocutor, the contents of the letter recently sent to President JosÚ Eduardo dos Santos, in which the UN Secretary General, Koffi Annan, reiterates his deep involvement in supporting rehabilitation, reconstruction and peace consolidation in Angola. He state that UN tasks in Angola will focus on social reintegration of the demobilized, assistance for the holding of elections, demining, capacity building on human rights matters and in the mobilization of resources for the success of the International Donors Conference for Angola¦s reconstruction.

Gambari also said that the Parliament`s Speaker presented him an information about the works that parties seating in Parliament having been doing toward the elaboration of the new constitution, among other matters inherent to the nation`s reconciliation, having manifested his satisfaction with the results.

Ibrahim Gambari is in Luanda since last weekend, to discuss with the Angolan authorities the best ways the UN should continue providing assistance to Angola, after February 15, the end of United Nations Mission In Angola (UNMA).

The Nigerian diplomat working for the UN already met Prime Minister, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos "Nando", and the Minister of Assistance and Social Reinsertion, JoÒo Baptista Kussumua. The outcome of his visit to Angola, will be included in a report by the United Nations Secretary General to the UN Security Council.

GOVERNMENT DISBURSES 80 MILLION DOLLARS FOR INFRASTRUCTURES ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 01/22 - The Standing Commission of Angola`s Council of Ministers was Wednesday informed that the Government has so far disbursed USD 80 million for the recovery of roads, bridges, airports runways and to stop ravines.

This amount was used in the acquisition of equipments for the setting up of brigades for the execution of public works at provincial and municipal levels, as well as in the rehabilitation of railways.

Presided over by President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, the gathering analysed a set of regulating measures for the management of fiscal, monetary and cambial policies adopted by Angola`s Central Bank, under the Government`s current programme.

The Standing Commission also analysed a memorandum for the relaunch of production and exploration of minerals, such as iron and manganese in the country.

The mentioned memorandum proposes the creation of a nationwide strategy for the relaunch of this sub-sector, in order to contribute for the creation jobs and augment fiscal incomes, which goes through a rise on private investments and turn "Ferrangol" (an iron company) into a public firm.

It also got acquainted with the protocol of understanding between Gamek, the consortium, and "Furnas Centrais Electricas (SA)", for the generation of electricity. Both firms are invloved in the "Kapanda" project.

This protocol makes the calendar and establishes the measures aiming the fulfilment of the general chronogram of this undertaking, which indicates the last semester of 2003 as the deadline for the start of commercial generation of electric energy by the two firms generators of energy from Kapanda.

To this end, the Ministries of Finance plus Waters and Energy have been assigned to present to the Council of Ministers the number of actions the Government must carry out to integrally meet its obligations.

The members of the Council of Ministers were also informed on the memorandum meant to support the displaced people and on the situation of street kids, elaborated by the Ministry of Social Reinsertion (MINARS).

At least 1,200,000 people have already returned to their areas of origin, by their own means and voluntarily, informed the organ.

According to the memorandum meant to support the displaced people, the Government has already spent about 120 million dollars on logistical assistance for former UNITA soldiers and their relatives

During Today`s session, the Welfare Ministry informed that it has been implementing the programme for localization and reunification of families, jointly with several agencies.

 

CEMENT FACTORY TO INVEST USD 25 MILLION ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 01/21 - Angola`s cement factory "Nova Cimangola" is set to invest about Usd 25 million till 2006 in the purchase of equipment to increment production and cover the current deficit on the local market. "We are going to start to install, at medium term, the fifth cement mill and, at long term, the fourth kiln, to increment the production capacity", the technical director assistant, Manuel Pacavira Junior, told ANGOP on Monday.

According to the source, the installation of these equipment will permit the increment of production from the current 600.000 tons of cement a year to about one million tons. He stated that a study revealed that 17 to 20.000 tons of cement are demanded every week, that is five to seven times above the factory`s current output.

This is part of the plan of action jointly undertaken by Angolan Government that holds 51 percent of the shares and by the Nordic consortium (Scancem) with 49 percent. He said the project will be co-funded by "Cimangola" and by Nordic development agencies.

The first phase of the plant`s rehabilitation that started in 1995 cost Usd 25 million and ended in 2001.This led the levels of production from the then 200.000 tons per year to the current 600.000 tons. However, in order to meet the high demand for cement on the local market, "Cimangola" imports fortnightly about 200.000 tons of cement from Algeria and South Africa.

Manuel Pacavira Junior said that last year the company sold about 800.000 tons of cement, 650.000 tons of which in Luanda. Situated at the Luanda`s Cacuaco district, "Nova Cimangola" was built in 1957.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COURCE STARTED ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 01/14 - An advanced business/module management course started on Monday here as part of a training plan for wholesale and retaile dealers, under the Luanda Customs Warehouses Project.

According to the chairman of the managing board of the National Institute for Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (INAPEM) , António de Assis, the course will last until 17 January and tackle such topics as management, accounting organisation, competition and marketing.

The chairman also said that the course, promoted by INAPEM, will be run by local highly qualified staff.

He stated that one of Angola`s Customs Warehouses main goal is to create conditions for exporters to bring in their goods with trust, good price and fairness.

Encouraging the emergence and strengthening of the national business as well as stimulating the reorganisation of the formal market, reducing the impact of the informal trade in the economy, are also another of the objectives of the Customs Warehouses.

FOREIGN MINISTER ON INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN 2003 ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, Jan 13 - Angola`s Foreign Minister, Joao Miranda, on Monday here stated that the Ambassadors will in 2003 have huege tasks for the implementation of economic diplomacy, through the relaunch of the international cooperation.

The Minister, who was speaking during the opening session of an upgrading seminar meanat for new diplomats, added that the country`s reconstruction should capitalize the attention of diplomats and, therefore, must promote public and private investment in Angola.

The Minister called on diplomats to defend Angola`s credibility and prestige, regardless of their political believes.
According to the Minister, when in the exercise of this mission, the diplomat must undress himself from his political and partisan convictions and place himself to the stage of State responsibilities, because they represent a stateman, whose laws, institutions and leaders they must obey.
He added that it is an "ethical and political" imperative to provide the necessary knowledge to the exercise of diplomacy, so that an exemplary performance susceptible of honouring the motherland, the democratic instituitions and, chiefly, the Head of State`s name can be demanded.

The 20-day long seminar is directed to heads of diplomatic and consular missions recently appointed by Presidential decrees, under the Lusaka Protocol.
The 11 diplomats, among them five from Unita, will receive information on protocol and ceremonial, bilateral accords, international conventions, the functions of the ministry`s central services plus financial, patrimonial and human resources management.

Meanwhile, addressing Angop, and commenting on the importance of this seminar, the Angolan Ambassador to France, Ambrosio Lukoki, stated that the training will help new diplomats make a better assessement of the international political situation and promote Angolan State`s interests.
With regard to the partisan affiliation of the diplomats, Ambrosio Lukoki explained that, in fulfiling these functions none (Angolan) should place at risk the nation`s interests. "In this case, he explained, the diplomat is in a State mission, which has its rules, to which they deserve obedience".

Attending the training were heads of diplomatic and consular missions in Argentine, Fernando Dito, Mexico, Jaime Furtado, Greek, Isaias Jaime Vilingue, Hungary, Joao Vahekeny, Poland, Liseti Nauanga Satumbo Pena, Unesco, Jorge Marcelino Sanguende, France, Ambrosio Lukoki, South Africa, Isaac Maria dos Anjos, Slovakia, Domingos Kulolo.

Adao Domingos, consul in Oshakati; Namibia, and Miguel Costa, consul in Toulouse; France, are also attending the seminar.

NEW OIL WELL FOUND ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 12/20 - Angolan National Oil Society (Sonangol) and TotalFinaElf have announced their 13th discovery of hydrocarbons in Block 17, in deep offshore about 150 km across the Angolan coast. The well, which is called Zinia-1, was rigged 718 metres deep under water and is located 45 km north of Dalia well. During the test period, Zinia-1 provided 3,650 barrels of oil per day. This positive result will be followed by geological and engineering additional studies, to find out the potential of that newly found well.

This new prospecting success at block 17 confirms the extent of the potential of that block, already shown at the previous discoveries, namely Girassol, Dalia, Lirio, Tulipa, Orquidea, Cravo, Camelia, Jasmin, Perpetua, Violeta and Antulio.

The first of these discoveries, Girassol, started its production in December 2001 and has quickly reached the present production level of about 200,000 barrels per day.

Sonangol is the concessionary of Block 17, and TotalFinaElf has 40 per cent as an operator, Esso explores 20 pc, BP 16.67pc, Statoil 13.33pc and Norsk Hydro 10 pc.

OXFAM GETS USD 700,000 GRANT FROM EU ( In AngolaPress )

Malange, 12/12 - British non governmental "Oxfam" organisation is expecting a USD 700,000 grant from the European Union and the Netherlands thanks to successful programmes of basic sanitation and water supply executed in Angola. This was announced on Thursday in Luanda by Oxfam head officer Jordes Fernandes when addressing Angop on the activities developed through November this year.

According to Jorge Fernandes, Oxfam opened 27 new drinking fountains, built 903 public toilets, and reabilitated 40 fountains to benefit some 91,050 inhabitants at Cangandala, Caculama, and Cacuso municipalities as well as the resettlement camps of Damba and Gangasol.

He said future projects of the organisation will concentrate on assisting in the return of the internally displaced persons to their areas of origin, and educating and sensitising the communities on health and hygiene. Oxfam was established in Malange in 2000 and presently employs 61 workers.

NEW GOVERNMENT SWORN IN ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 12/09 - Angola`s new Government members appointed on Friday by head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, upon newly named Prime Minister`s indication, were sworn in on Monday in Luanda. Swearing them in, the head of state wished them success. "I thank you for having accepted my invitation and that of Mr. Prime Minister to join Gurn (Government of Unity and National Reconciliation), Jose José Eduardo dos Santos said.

"In this moment, I am pleased to have a toast for the health of all, wishing you to fulfil with success the mission that has been entrausted to you", he added. Of the new Government, stress goes to the nomination of Oswaldo Serra Van-Dunem as minister of interior, replacing Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos "Nando", who is now the Prime Minister.

Another highlights are the nominations of the ministers of finance, energy and water, oil, Jose Pedro de Morais, José Botelho de Vasconcelos and Desidério da Graça Veríssimo da Costa, respectively. Of the dissolved Government, some ministers transited to the new one, holding on to their portfolios. They Kundy Paihama (defence), Joao Bernardo de Miranda, (foreign affairs) Paulo Tjipilica (justice), Ana Afonso Dias Lourenco (planning) and Antonio Domingos Pitra da Costa Neto (public administration, employment and social security). Also holding on to their post of the previous Government are the ministers of territory affairs, industry, agriculture and rural development, transports and geology and mining, Fernando Faustino Muteka, Joaquim Duarte da Costa David, Gilberto Buta Lutucuta, Andre Luis Brandao and Manuel Antonio Africano, respectively.

Under the presidential decrees, confirmed in their previous posts were the ministers of mail and telecommunications, Licinio Tavares Ribeiro, health, Albertina Julia Nauosse Hamukuaia, commerce, Victorino Domingos Hossi, and hotels and Tourism, Jorge Aliceres Valentim. Jose Marcos Barricas, Pedro Jose Van-Dunem, Joao Baptista Kussumua, Pedro Hendrick Vaal Neto and Joao Baptista Ngandagina, were also maintained in the posts they held in the previous Government, respectively.

Youth and sports, ex-combatants and war veterans, social welfare, social communication and science and technology. President Jose Eduardo dos Santos also appointed deputy ministers. They are Manuel da Cruz Neto (Commerce), Paulino Baptista (hotels and tourism), Jose Vieira Dias Van-Dunem (health), Natalia Espirito Santo (health), Joao Alves Monteiro (justice), Manuel Miguel da Costa Aragao (justice), Samuel Tito Armando (geology and mining), Pedro Sebastiao Teta (science and technology), Demostenes Amoes Chilingutila (defence), Diamantino Saungo Kangalo (interior), Arlindo Praia Sicato (interior) , Sapalo Antonio (industry) and finance (unnamed).

Other deputy ministers are Dario Manuel Catata (agriculture and rural development), Manuel Joaquim da Costa (transports), Graciano Tulumbo (social communication) Junior Joao (social welfare), Lando Augusto (youth and sports), George Rebelo Chicoty (foreign affaris) and Francisco Romao de Oliveira (foreign affairs).

PRESIDENT NOMINATES NEW MINISTERS ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 12/ 09 - Angola`s Head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, on Monday here nominated the former Governor of the Central Bank (Bna), Aguinaldo Jaime, as assistant of the Prime-Minister, according to a decree from his office.

Aguinaldo Jaime was replaced by Amadeu Mauricio, according to the presidential decree. President Eduardo dos Santos also nominated the ministers of Public Works and Fisheries, Francisco Higino Carneiro, Minister of Public Works, and Salomao Xirimbimbi. They were Governors of Kwanza-Sul and Namibe provinces, respectively.

Mominated were also the Ministers of Urbanism plus Environment, Education, Culture plus Family and Woman Promotion, Virgilio Fontes Pereira, Antonio Burity da Silva, Boaventura Cardoso, and Candida Celeste, respectively. The document says also that the Angolan Head of State nominated the deputy Ministers of Education, Alexandra Vitoria Pereira, Public Works, Armindo Kopingo, Youth and Sports, Malungo Belo Honore, and Fisheries, Pedro Joao Antonio. Luanda, 12/ 09 - Angola`s Head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, on Monday here nominated the former Governor of the Central Bank (Bna), Aguinaldo Jaime, as assistant of the Prime-Minister, according to a decree from his office.

The document says also that the Angolan Head of State nominated the deputy Ministers of Education, Alexandra Vitoria Pereira, Public Works, Armindo Kopingo, Youth and Sports, Malungo Belo Honore, and Fisheries, Pedro Joao Antonio.

LUANDA HOSTS AFRICAN CONFERENCE ON OIL ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/26 - Angola will host on May 20-23 next year the 7th Conference and the African Exhibition on oil trading and financing , an official source announced. Organiser of the event will be Angola`s "SONANGOL" oil society in conjunction with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and other instituitions of the sector, according to a note sent to ANGOP on Tuesday.

The gathering will discuss the perspectives for African refineries, changing of actors in African oil and gas sectors, as well as the chances of increasing the local value and governments-oil-civil society interaction, among other topics. Attending the event will be officials with firms from oil producing and importing countries plus services providers of the oil industry world.

An exhibition of products and services of oil firms will also be on. The 6/th conference took place in Cameroon in September 2002 with the participation of 52 countries, 500 delegates of which 17 African Ministers of Oil and Energy, 15 oil firms, presidential advisers, and other entities.

FISHING PROGRAMME RELAUNCH UNDER DISCUSSION ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/26 - A plan to relaunch fishing activity in the 2002-2005 period is under discussion at the Angolan fisheries ministry which Monday opened in Luanda its fourth consultative council. Chaired by fisheries and environment minister Maria de Fatima Jardim the council will on the second day debate programmes on promoting artisanal fishing and the contributions by the FDES (fund for economic and social development ) in order to develop the fishing area.

Participants will also review the impact of incomes and resources the ministry has used in materialising sectoral programmes. On the first day, they approved the report on the third consultative council and assessed the degree of implementation of the conclusions and recommendations from the previous meeting last year. They also analysed the report on the activities of the sector in the year 2001 as well as the extent to which the plan of action for the year 2001 was implemented, including the economic and social programme of the fishing sector for the same year. At the opening of the meeting, it was announced that the ministry of fisheries and environment recorded catches of about 160 tonnes of fish in the first half of 2002 and predicted a significant increase by the end of the year in comparison to last year`s catches.

REGISTRATION FOR ECLIPSE VIEWERS OPENS ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/26 - Angola`s inter-ministerial committee for sun eclipse that will be fully observed on December 4 in southeastern Kuando-Kubango province has opened a registration office supplying elements and costs for those who would want to travel to that region of the country. According to a communique from the committee distributed to Angop those interested to travel to Kuando-Kubango to view the sun eclipse are invited to visit the executive committee`s department at the faculty of architecture, in Luanda.

On December 4, alike on 21 June 2001 in Angola`s central Kwanza-Sul province, a sun eclipse will be observed in a 60 kilometres wide stretch crossing the country from West to East. The phenomenon will start at 05:45 aim on the Atlantic in Kwanza-sul, passing over the city of Huambo and Central Bie province down to Kuando-Kubango. Two Russian scientists are expected Tuesday in Luanda to view the phenomenon. They are Dr. Yulli Platov and Prof. Boris Filippov.

Another group of more than 30 scientists from France, America, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Iran and other parts of the world will arrive on Wednesday in Luanda. Before travelling to Kuando-Kubango Mavinga district, the specialists will attend an international talk on the phenomenon on 29-30 November in Luanda.

UN: INTER-AGENCY CONSOLIDATED APPEAL TO BE LAUNCHED ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/25 - The UN 2003/Inter-Agency Consolidated Appeal for Angola, worth about 300 million, will on Tuesday be launched in Luanda, an official source told Angop Wednesday.

The appeal was prepared by the UN in collaboration with the Angolan Government and various humanitarian partners, and include programmes forwarded by provincial governments.

The appeal aims to help consolidate peace and promote stabilization within the vulnerable population, as well as support the returning of displaced communities to their areas of origin, the source said.

According to the source, the appeal includes a total 166 priority projects already outlined by the Government, comprising people`s resettlement, demining, basic sanitation, drinkable water, sanitary assistance, food aid, among others.

The ceremony, expected to be held at the Parliament House in Luanda, will be chaired by the Angolan Deputy Foreign Minister, Toko Serao, representing Minister Joao Bernardo de Miranda, who is abroad on a state mission.

Addressing the ceremony will also be the Social Welfare Minister, Joao Baptista Kussumua, and the UN Secretary General Representative to Angola, Ibrahim Gambari.

The Appeal will be presented in "Power Point" by the acting humanitarian co-ordinator and World Food Programme Director, Francisco Roque Castro. The ceremony ends late in the morning with a press conference.

GAMBOS REGION NEEDS INTEGRATED MANAGERIAL COMMISSION ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/20 - The setting up of a managerial commission with the participation of the state, businessmen and traditional cattle breeders willing to solve the problem of Gambos region, in Benguela province, was defended Wednesday in Luanda.

In an interview with Angop, a senior official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said the conflict in that region occurs during the drought season, the period of cattle transhumance.

He stated that, being a region with 120.000 heads of cattle, of which 100.000 belong to traditional breeders, it is imperative to work out programmes that enables the development of these herds.

According to the source, the Ministry of Agriculture is studying the possibility of creating a support office in the region, capable of analysing the problems of the Gambos and subsequently implement development programs.

In his opinion, the area is vast and has non-governmental organizations with which they would work in the creation of infrastructures for the benfit of the population.

"It is also necessary to tell businesspeople in the region to invest there, reabilitating the reproductive infrastructures, building water wells and vaccinations sites" he said.

WORKSHOP ON TEXTILES WEDNESDAY IN LUANDA ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/20 - A workshop on textiles and sewing in Angola and in Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc)is taking place in Luanda, promoted by the Institute of Industrial Development (Idia).

Organized as part of the seventh campaign of the national industry, the event opened on November 12 and is intended to find strategies to relaunch the sector in the country.

Meanwhile, a four-hour seminar will be held with a view to conclusions and recommendations for study of textiles and manufacture market in angola and Sadc.

The textile industry in Angola is currently totally paralysed since 1992, when the only existing slow-working manufacturing unity (Textang ii), closed down.

ANGOLA/NAMIBIA: WATER AND AGRICULTURE UNDER DISCUSSION ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/19 - Angola and Namíbia are discussing Tuesday in Angola`s central Huambo province issues concerning existing cooperation in the fields of energy, water and agriculture.

To this end, Namibian ministers of energy and mining, Nicky Eyambo, and agriculture and waters, Helmut Angula, arrived Tuesday in Luanda on their way to Huambo. The visiting ministers will be welcomed in Huambo by their colleagues of energy and waters, Luís Filipe da Silva, and Agriculture and rural development, Gilberto Buta Lutucuta.

As part of the Huambo two-day meeting agenda, the ministers will visit the Gove hydro-electric dam in the region, before the visiting officials travel to Cunene and Kuando-Kubango provinces, in south and southeast Angola respectively. The Gove dam is of particular importance to Namibia as Cunene river that feeds the Rwacana Dam from which the neighbouring country gets much of its power, depends much on it. The two Namibian ministers will leave Angola on Friday for their country.

PRESIDENT INAUGURATES SUBMARINE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, Nov 18 - Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, Monday in Luanda inaugurated the newly installed submarine cable communication system and optic fibres at Cacuaco district.

The global investment connecting the Africa, Europe, and Asia, has been estimated at Usd 600 million. .

Angola has released Usd 24 million, corresponding to its 3,75 percent contribution, plus an additional internal investment of two million dollars. The system with 16 hawser points is meant to facilitate communication with the outside and is operated by 36 people. .

The cable has a length of 14,500 kilometres, starts from Sicimbra (Portugal) passes by South Africa through to Asia. Some of the African countries involved in the project are Angola, Cote D`ivoire, Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal.

GOVERNMENT REITERATES COMMITMENT TO RECONSTRUCTION ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/15 - Angolan Government has defined as its strategy the attraction of foreign investment and incentive to internal development with a view to the reconstruction of the country whose main infrastructures were ruined by three decades of war.

"Let us make effort to attract foreign investment and stimulate internal investment. We have also to incentive internal savings, as there can not be investment without savings", the head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos said, while addressing the Nation as part of the celebrations of the 27th anniversary of the National Independence.

A few days earlier, during his working visit to the central Bie province, the head of State had said that "each of us, at his workplace, should be conscious that all of us are few. Despite the sacrifices made during the war, we still need to work, work, work hard in order to improve our living condition. "No one will work for us, each of us has to work for self dignification and for the development of Angola. The war has made us poorer, we ourselves produced less and less, because we had many difficulties, the population grew so much and we became even poorer", the head of State stressed.

Seeking the success of its actions, Angolan government approved the Social and Economic Programme for 2003/2004 and a draft budget for the 2003 period, comprising revenues of Kz 358.888.331.816 (Three hundred fifty-eight billion, eight hundred eighty-eight million, three hundred thirty one thousand and and eight hundred sixteen). One Us dollar is about kz 53,00.

"This budget already takes into account the economic growth model we want to adopt next year, under which we estimate the reduction of State expenditures and a stricter budgetary control", president dos Santos said.

The economic programme mentioned has as its priorities the combat against famine and poverty and the promotion of social stability, through the attainment of macro-economic stability. The amelioration of economic infrastructures, the promotion of the growth of non-oil sectors of the economy and the valorisation of national human resources are another actions contained in the strategy of the Angolan Government. 

Also for 2003, an Internal Gross Product real rate of not less than 5,5 percent has been estimated, corresponding to 1,6 percent for the oil sector and 8,9 for non-oil one.

During the celebrations of one more 11 November, the first in an environment of peace, it was noticeable that Angolans are confident about a better future, with good perspectives of the country`s socio-economic development. However, one of the key elements for this development is the national reconstruction and economic stabilisation. Therefore, all set to work.

ANGOLA ENTERED PROSPERITY PHASE - DIPLOMAT ( In AngolaPress )

Washington, 11/15 - Angolan ambassador to the United States Mrs Josefina Pitra has reaffirmed here that war-end in the country has paved the way for a new era of prosperity for all Angolans.

The ambassador said this at an official reception offered to the Washington based political and diplomatic community on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of Angola national independence day celebrated November 11.

The armed conflict ending opens the doors to the commencement of a era of national reconciliation and reconstruction which will allow Angolans to realise their dreams their independence heroes so much fought for, said the diplomat.

Furthermore, she said, the country is marching towards the consolidation of peace and search for permanent solutions to the consequences of war through the rational use of the existing potential resources and talent as well as through the "indispensable" contribution of the international community.

The nation leadership is totally engaged in overcoming this challenge by implementing a socio-economic programme aimed to minimize the war effects, he said.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT RELAUNCHES TOURISM ( In AngolaPress )

Lubango, 11/12 - The Government of Angola`s southern Huila province Sunday started a campaign of touristic activities with the inauguration of the access road to Tundavala Centre, Angop learnt from an official source. Addressing press, Huila Governor Francisco Ramos da Cruz said the relaunch of touristic activities depends on the recovery of hotels and other infrastructures, including entertaining facilities, through public tender to be launched by the State soon.

He said his administration is committed to setting up structures capable of accommodating national and foreign tourists who arrive everyday in the province. The Governor added that owners of paralysed hotes and other touristic undertakings will have to produce a sustainable recovery programme by March 2003 or their properties risk confiscation.

INDEPENDENCE DAY: CULTURAL JOURNEY IN THE STATES ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/08 - The Angolan Embassy to the United States will on November 10-19 promote an Angolan cultural journey to mark the 27th anniversary of the national independence day. To this end, the Angolan diplomatic mission in Washington has programmed various political, cultural and entertaining activities, with the participation of cultural agents, politicians and american diplomats, as well as the Angolan community living in the USA.

The agenda includes fashion display with clothes by young stylist Ze Du, animation by Te Macedo and Angolan gastronomy in the Angolan Embassy. Political, economic and social debates will be part of the celebrations of November 11, in addition to discussions on the "Impact of environment in agriculture and fisheries", "Angola, past, present and future" and "Angola, investments and Business opportunities", taking place respectively on November 11, 12 and 13. The musicians Bonga, Lourdes Van-dunem and Banda Movimento (a musical band) will animate the community festivities in November 16.

As from November 18, an arts exposition by painters Tona and Pitraco will be on display at the embassy and discussions of the book "A voz dos Dibengos" by writer Tazuary keita will be carried out. The official function for the political and dipomatic community in Washington, to be offered by Ambassdor Josefina Pitra Diakité, will happen on November 13 also in the embassy and will be animated by the group "os marimbeiros Angolanos".

The feasts will gather in Washington hundreds of Angolans living in New York, Virgina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Boston, Philadelphia, Texas and Oklahoma, being the first time it happens in the United States.

PRESIDENT WANTS IMPROVEMENT IN MEDICAL SERVICES ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/08 - Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos Friday urged the administration and staff of Multiperfil Clinic of Specialities to make efforts for the improvement of medical assistance to the population. Dos Santos said this at a meeting with the leading staff of that Clinic, which he inaugurated in the framework of the festivities of the national independence day (November 11).

In this sense, the Angolan statesman, who was flanked by his spouse, Ana Paula dos Santos, advised the Hospital directorate to amplify the services in more demand. To the President, the Clinic is accomplishing the goals it was assigned for and the results are "good". Multiperfil is a clinic of specialities and a centre for medical and surgical research, where external consultations are also made. It has services of urgency, radiology, physiology, dialysis, surgical unit, intensive care, laboratory, parturition, chemestry, odontology and admittance.

Besides the Angolan medical staff, it also employs Cuban and Spanish Physicians. In his field activity, the President also inaugurated the first phase of "Herois de Chaves" Park, adjacent to the Parliament house. According to the Luanda Governor Simao Paulo, the local will serve for the holding of some activities, thus replacing the uptown garden.

PRESIDENT HANDS OVER FIRST HOUSE UNDER NOVA VIDA ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/08 - Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos Friday handed over the first house out of 117 already built in Luanda`s Golfe suburb, under a project called Nova Vida (new life). The President also inaugurated the "Multiperfil" Clinic and the new building housing the National Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology (Inamet), in the framework of the activities marking the national independence day. The new life project foresees the construction of 2.348 houses and flats. Two hundred and twenty houses are to be built until yearend.

The last of the remaining houses will be built until December 2003 and will be handed over on a quarterly basis during the year. According to the minister of Public Works and Urbanism, Antonio Henriques da Silva, the project is part of efforts the Government is doing in order to resolve the great housing shortage the society is facing.

Two thousand seven hundred and eight (2.708) local workers plus three hundred fourty seven (347) expatriates are till now involved in the project which has so far spent over 65 million dollars. Earlier, the President accompanied by his spouse Ana Paula dos Santos inaugurated the Van-dunen Loy Street also at Golfe suburb, Kilamba Kiaxi municipality.

In line with his field activity under celebrations of the national independence day, the Head of State also inaugurated the 2nd phase of the project of betterment of water supply in southeast Luanda.

HEAD OF STATE INAUGURATES DRINKING WATER PROJECT ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/08 - Angolan president, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Friday, inaugurated the second phase of the drinking water project for Southeast Luanda, as part of the celebrations of the national independence day - November 11.

With this inauguration, 1,6 million people living at Terra Nova, Golf I and II and Zango will benefit from a total 130,000 cubic metres of water. This second phase includes the extension of Benfica water supplying networks and other tasks.

By the end of the the third phase, in 2004, about million luanda inhabitants will be benefiting from a total 216,000 cubic meters of water, the source said. The head of State will also inaugurate Pedro de Castro Van-Dunem ``Loy`` road, the Nova Vida (New life) housing project, the `Multiperfil" clinic and the new building of the Angola`s national institute of meteorology and geophysics (Inamet). In an out-of-office marathon, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, accompanied by the first lady, Ana Paula dos Santos, will also commission the reopening of the park adjacent to the building of the National Assembly.

All these inaugurations are part of the celebrations of the 17th anniversary of Angola`s independence.

DOS SANTOS INAUGURATES "ZANGO" HOUSING PROJECT ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/07 - Angolan president Jose Eduardo dos Santos Thursday inaugurated in Luanda the first stage of Zango housing project handing 1,000 residences to people moved last year from Luanda`s Boavista quarter. This is part of a Luanda government housing emergency programme which foresees the construction of a total 7,000 houses. An official source said the houses cost USD 6,000 each and consist of three bedrooms, a kitchen, a drawing-room, a dining-room and a bathroom. On the occasion, the head of State planted a tree in the local "Dignidade" square and watched a video film on the danger the Boavista people were posed to, their evacuation into Zango and the construction of the houses now inaugurated.

Accompanied by his wife, Dos Santos also delivered certificates and diplomas to the firms working on the project and received from them a painting frame by Angolan artist Antonio Ole as well as agricultural products offered by Zango inhabitants. The President who was received by the local people with songs, and flags waving, took a walk through some of Zango streets visiting a few social projects, such as a medical centre, two schools and a police station.

Addressing journalists at the end of the visit, Dos Santos said he had a good impression of the Zango trip. "The project was a bet and even a challenge which we are overcoming thanks to efforts of all those who believed in this project and engaged themselves with body and soul to realise it", he said. This was Dos Santos third trip to Zango. The first occurred in October 2001 to follow-up the situation of the people whom the government had then moved from Boavista into that area.

For the same purpose, he paid his second visit in April this year to verify the progress made with the construction works. Apart from the 7,000 houses planned, Zango project also includes building schools, entertainment and commercial centres, gardens, car parking, and police-station among other facilities in a work involving 11 Angolan firms with an average completion pace of 16 houses a day.

BIE: BRITISH PETROLEUM GRANTS 750,000 DOLLARS TO PEASANTS ( In AngolaPress )

Kuito, 11/5 - A British petroleum delegation Tuesday reached Kuito city in Angola`s Bie Central province to offer 750,000 US Dollars to local peasant farmers. A press release from the company says the grant is a BP response to the humanitarian call launched recently in the country to assist Bie populations. The fund is expected to benefit about 5,000 peasants and associations.

Angola`s minister of agriculture and rural development, Gilberto Buta Lutucuta, plus deputy minister of social assistance, Maria da Luz, are also available in Kuito to deliver the amount. The source added that the money is menat for demined areas to assist in creating 19 peasant co-operatives with 150 farmers each who will be given further material in an action also supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Angolan agriculture ministry.

In Kuito, the delegation was welcomed by deputy provincial governor Antonio Gomes da Conceicao, before meeting with governor Amaro Taty.

77 MILLION DOLLARS ASIDE FOR BENGUELA RAILWAY REPAIR ( In AngolaPress )

Benguela, 11/05 - Local government in Angola`s central coastal Benguela province has put aside 77 million US Dollars for repairs of the Lobito-Kuito branchline on Benguela Railways (CFB) with works starting in 2003. According to CFB managing director Daniel Quipaxi, preliminary works which include clearing the bush, demining operations and rails restoring are currently underway on the Lobito-Cubal branchline.

Another brigade started five months ago simultaneous works to repair the Santa Iria-Calenga stretch in the neighbouring Huambo province expecting this to be concluded in the first half of 2003. Later on, attentions will be turned on to repairs on Huambo-Kuito line and Director Daniel Quipaxe believes the works will take up not more than four months judging by the minor degree of destruction of the branch.

The peace climate reigning in the country has brought new prospects to the CFB railway after remaining dormant for more than 10 years, he said. The company has at present 13 engines available with a number of others awaiting repairs.

Mr Quipaxe said their expectations were that a South African firm might take up the repairs after completing a survey into the current state of the machines aiming to evaluate the advantages of procuring new ones or doing the repair. Born in the Port town of Lobito, the 1,340 kilometres lengthy CFB cuts across Angola west-eastwards to connect with the Central Africa railway network.

About two years back, the whole property of CFB became of the Angolan State after the expiry of the 99-year concession contract granted to the firm which built the railway.

MORE THAN 300 COMPANIES TO EXHIBIT AT FERAPRO ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/04 - More than 300 companies from 14 out of the country`s 18 provinces will from Tuesday expose their production at the 8th edition of the Fair of National Production (Fenapro/2002) in Luanda.

Its Director, Albertino Cardoso, today said Luanda province is the most represented one with 90 companies, followed by Benguela (24) and Bengo (20). Bie, Cabinda, Cunene, Huíla, Huambo, Malanje, Kwanza-Norte, Kwanza-Sul, Lunda-Sul, UÝge and ZaÝre are also present at the event.

Although the organisation provides free space for exhibitors, Moxico, Kuando Kubango, Namibe and Lunda-Norte provinces announced their absence for financial reasons said a source close to the Industrial Association of Angola (AIA), which is the event`s organiser. Mr Albertino Cardoso announced the exposition of Angolan gastronomy, culture and arts for the first time of Fenapro`s history. Foreigners are also likely to participate at Fenapro with Ghana, UK and Czechoslovakia expected to confirm at any time, he said.

CHINA READY TO ASSIST WITH RECONSTRUCTION ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/04 - Chinese Ambassador to Angola Zhang Beisan on Monday here manifested China`s interest to contribute in rebuilding this Southern African country, whose infrastructures have been demaged by the war.

The ambassador was speaking short after an audience with Angola`s Parliament Speaker, Roberto de Almeida, which concentrated on improving the bilateral parliamentary relations. The new Chinese diplomat who last week presented his credentials to the Angolan Head of State, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, said he was briefed on Angola`s current political situation. Zhang Beisan (50) has a bachelor degree in philology.

TELECOMMUNICATION TAXES PENALIZE CUSTOMERS ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 11/01 - The 35 percent industrial tax charged to telecommunication agents in the country heavily penalise consumers, the director general of the National Institute of Communications (INACOM), Joao Beirao, said Thursday in Luanda.

The industrial tax results in making fixed and mobile telecommunication sets and agent`s services very expensive. "Communicating is a man`s fundamental right. In this perspective, the State should secure citizens the access to this type of service, with quality, diversity and adequate pricing", Joao Beirao said. According to him, this obligation of the State can be undertaken in a direct way or through the application of liberal policies that permit the private sector`s participation.

Mentioning the country`s telecommunication law, Joao Beirao explained that public services prices should approximate the cost of production. "Being costs high due to various factors, including the fact that operators pay high taxes and duties to the State, this results in the citizen having to pay", he stressed. According to INACOM director, the Government will create the Public Investment Law to replace the current Foreign Investment Law that will bring about fiscal incentives.

To him, the State would not lose, in terms of incomes from taxes, should it (State) facilitate the expansion of public utility services, on contrary it would obtain economic gains that compensate the reductions in taxes and contributions costs. "By increasing the number of operators` customers, incomes grow and the State plays its role of guaranteeing communication to the Nation", he added.

Joao Beirao who is an engineer said it is expected that the National Industry starts manufacturing telecommunication items like electrical cables. He said he believes that by reducing responsibility charges on the business structure, the benefits of this end up reflected on the tariffs. The INACOM director announced that a regulating model setting price limits for each set of services and reasonable periods of time is currently under Government consideration.

PRESIDENT DOS SANTOS IN KUITO ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 10/31 - Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, arrived at 9:37 hours am (local) in Kuito, central Bié province, where he is chairing on Thursday a session of the Standing Commission of the Council of Ministers. The meeting is discussing among other issues, a programme on reconstruction of the country`s central provinces of Bié, Benguela, Huambo and Kwanza-Sul and another one on the rehabilitation of Kuito city estimated at Usd 42 million.

Huambo province needs about Usd 80 million, Benguela 130 million (this includes the railway) and Kwanza-Sul Usd 20 million. This funds will be used in the sectors of water, health, electricity, education and the like.

President Dos Santos will also address a public rally in Kuito city centre. Besides Cabinet members, the session is being attended by the governors of the other three provinces of central Angola (Benguela, Huambo e Kwanza-Sul).

PARLIAMENT APPROVES BILL ON PUBLIC DEBT ( In AngolaPress )
 

Luanda, 10/30 - The Angolan Parliament Wednesday approved the Framework of the Draf Law on Direct Public Debt, which establishes the procedures of its constitution and management, with a view to finance the budgetary deficit. Besides ensuring juridical security to State creditors, it also guarantees better term and interest conditions for the financing of government programmes, through the General State Budget (OGE).

The 18-article law clearly stablishes the criteria that authorize bonds issuing, the nature of titles and contracts, and confers to the Parliament the necessary means to carry out the duty of control. On the other hand, it defines that State`s public indebtedness should be subordinate to the limits established by the budgetary law and comply with the need to funding priority programs and actions. The new diploma repeals the law on treasury titles, of June 25, 1988, which fell into disuse soon after the macro-economic and institutional conditions failed to allow its correct applicability, as public deficit`s non inflactionary financing instrument. Another issue analysed today by MPs was the Parliament`s budget for 2003, worth 77 million IROS (budgetary reference rate).

According to the Secretary General of the Angolan Parliament, Diogo de Jesus, this budget happens at a time the MPs foreseee an increment in political work due to the new political scenario in force in the country. Among the goals to attain he mentioned the augment of MPs contacts with the electorate, the continuation of administrative reforms, the improvement of working conditions in Parliament, as well as payment of debts and the consolidation of inter-parliamentary cooperation. The Parliament also approved the draft law on parliamentary enquiries, proposed by the MPLA bench, which establishes the juridical regime of inquiries and regulates the initiative, constitution and functioning of its commissions.

ANGOLA: NORWEGIAN MINISTER IN MALANJE ( In AngolaPress )

Malanje, 10/30 - Visiting Norwegian minister for International Development, Hild Frafjord, is travelling Tuesday to Angola`s northern Malanje province to see how the resources donated by her country are being used in landmine clearing and teachers training projects. On arrival, the minister will meet with local Governor, Cristóvão da Cunha, from whom she is expected to learn on the functioning of the Malanje-based Norwegian Non-governmental organisation and on the Teachers Emergency Package project. She will also visit the Norway People`s Aid mechanic and manual demining areas at Vela, 10 kilometres south of Malanje city and some schools under the Teachers Emergency Package programme at Kangamba compound.

The visiting delegation is also travelling to Damba sheltering camp, some 45 kilometres east of Malanje city, to learn about the humanitarian condition of former Unita rebel movement soldiers and their families. The Norway People`s Aid has as its tasks in the province demining operations since 1995 and the Teachers Emergency Package, in which it is supported by Unicef and Angola`s Education Ministry. It has already cleared various areas which has facilitated the return of populations to their home villages and has trained 115 teachers under three courses.

Accompanying the visiting minister to Malanje is the information officer of the Angolan Foreign Ministry (Mirex), the assistant of Norway`s Southern Africa Division director, the Norwegian ambassador to Angola and the director of Africa Department, Jonas Morlande, Audy Marite, Jone Lomain and Aride Oyen, respectively.

COOPERATION TO BE STRENGTHENED BETWEEN ANGOLA AND VIETNAM  ( In AngolaPress )


Luanda, 10/28 - Angolan and Vietnamese presidents Saturday in Luanda set new basis for cooperation and identified the fields to be tackled by the joint governmental commission soon in Hanoi. The information was released by Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, at a press conference closing the 24-hour Angola visit of Vietnamese president, Tran Duc Luong.

José Eduardo dos Santos said the visit of his Vietnamese counterpart served to discuss bilateral Cooperation and the situation in the region and world. He said his visiting colleague invited him to visit Vietnam on a date still to be arranged.

"Let me express my satisfaction to realise that the results of this visit will further strengthen the ties of cooperation uniting us", president dos Santos said. In his turn, the Vietnamese president stated that there was agreement on the forms and measures to strengthen the ties of cooperation in the fields of education, health, trade and the like. "We are in the 21st century and we are in face of new opportunities on which we must make common efforts to reach our objectives" he said. Tran Duc Luong hailed peace in Angola and expressed satisfaction at his Angolan counterpart accepting the invitation to visit Vietnam.

According to him, this visit of his will create new basis to reinforce bilateral relations. While in Angola, the Vietnamese president met with his counterpart, paid a homage to the country`s first and late president, António Agostinho Neto, unveiled a Ho Chi Minh road plate, planted a tree and attended a special session of the National Assembly (parliament).

WAREHOUSE WILL NORMALISE COUNTRY'S COMMERCE NETWORK ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 10/23 - Angolan head of state, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, said Tuesday in Luanda the inauguration of the first of a giant warehouses network "is an important step towards the normalisation of the commerce network". "It is also an instrument that will enable us to value the Angolan commerce, mainly the small dealer who will have the possibility to get supplied regularly and benefit from credit from banking institutions", president dos Santos said after inaugurating the Luanda customs warehouse.

To José Eduardo dos Santos, a step has been set "in the right direction and the desire is that the project be complete as soon as possible, so we can serve all the people, from Cabinda to Cunene". He said as well that this measure comes to complete the effort made by local providers, adding that the trade sector has for now been prioritised but soon the productive area will be benefited.

This will be done under "an undertaking that will also serve to support the effort local businesses are carrying out towards increasing our production", dos Santos said. "By the time all the other warehouses are ready, we will attend to all the needs of the population", the president said. Alike Luanda, such big warehouses will be established in the provinces of Cabinda (north), Benguela (centre) and Namibe (southwest).

JAPAN FUNDING CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOLS  ( In AngolaPress )
 

Viana, Luanda, 09/20 - The Japanese Government is funding the construction of three primary schools at Caop, Quinhentas Casas, and Quilometro 9-A compounds, in Viana district, outside Luanda city.

In addition, the Eduardo dos Santos Foundation (Fesa) will build a Politechnic Institute in south Luanda, and will restore one school at Quinhentas Casas compound. Viana, 25 kms away of Luanda city, needs 74 classrooms for about 10,000 children who are currenly out of the school system, a local official source said Friday. Mr Romano Monteiro, the local education delegate, said that these classrooms will benefit primary and secondary level pupils of that community.

POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY UNVEILED ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 09/19 - A strategy for poverty reduction in fisheries and environment area for the next three years was Wednesday presented here at a ceremony presided over by Vice Minister of the sector, Pedro António. The document, that characterizes current state of the fisheries and environment sector, sets the aims to be achieved in 2003/2005 period, focusing actions on rudimentary fishery sub-sector given that this areas is related to the most vulnerable communities.

The central strategy is based on promotion and development of fisheries resources management capacity, increase of fisheries production and trading within the communities, as well as combat to desertification and environment conservation. It defends environmental education and consciousness that consists of combat to desertification and environment conservation in fisheries communities and of all population.

This strategy aims to increase jobs in fisheries communities in five per cent and of diet and food security of populations, mainly the most vulnerable ones. Promotion of a rational use of fisheries resources available to fishermen and maximization of benefits of local communities and increase salt iodation in more than 45 per cent are also numbered among the objectives.

To achieve these aims it is needed implementation of some programmes and actions, such as sub-programme for fisheries communities organisation, construction of production infrastructures to support rudimentary fishery and resources management in sustainable development and environmental education and consciousness.

GOVERNMENT ADOPTS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROGRAMME ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 09/19 - Angolan Government Thursday in Luanda approved the 2003/04 economic and social programme designed to consolidate the peace process, promote national reconciliation, social and macro-economic stability. Under the programme the Government intends to recover economic infrastructures, mainly those pertaining to non-oil sector and improve such social services like health, education and social assistance.

The programme is also meant to strengthen State`s institutional power and valorise local human resources, a communique issued at the end of a Cabinet Council meeting reads. According to the note, concerning the fiscal and budgetary policy, the government wants it based on the principle of enlarged tributary basis and corresponding reduction of its burden, thereby seeking major rationality and effectiveness in the management of public expenditures.

To this, the Government has made provisions for fiscal and financial incentives and customary tariffs benefits, in accordance with the economic activity and provides for policies and instruments for housing foment with a view to fighting the crisis crippling the sector.

The continuation of the programme of privatisation and functioning of non-governmental organisations and various other social activities including cultural and sports ones, within State`s Available funds, are also part of Government policy for 2003/04. With regard to revenues and prices policy, the Government intends to regularly adjust civil servants` salaries, through the reduction of salary imbalances. On the other hand, it is also the Government`s intention to improve the pensions and social security allowances.

Within this framework, the Cabinet Council set the limits to expenditures in the drafting of the State Budget for the 2003 period. In the field of public investments, the Government approved the projects which are liable to lead to and promote private economic activity, especially those directed to production of goods and services towards generating jobs and fight injustices and poverty.

The cabinet council also extended for a three-year period the mandate of the managing board of state-owned oil firm "Sonangol" and reviewed the company`s performance considered as "satisfactory". Also according to the sessions communique, the adhesion of the Republic of Angola to the African Energy Convention, a body that has been tasked to draft policies, strategies and energetic development plans, was also upheld, taking into account the sub-regional, regional and continental growth priorities.

The African Energy Convention has also as its function to promote among member states measures capable of preventing environment pollution owed to exploitation, transportation, storing, distribution and utilisation of energetic resources from the continent. Also approved by the Government was the accord for reciprocal protection of investments between Angola and Germany. The accord in respect is meant to develop and strengthen existing economic cooperation and creation of conditions favouring investments, thereby stimulating private initiative on a mutual advantages basis.

Chaired by Angolan Head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, the session also approved the decree that now on regulates the transfer to State ownership of abandoned movable property.

NEW OIL STRIKE ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 07/26 - Angola`s state-owned Sonangol and Cabinda Gulf Oil Company (Cabgoc) Thursday announced here a key oil strike at Block 14 in northern Cabinda Province. A communique from Sonangol states that the new well, named "Gabela 1", was found at a 1,051-feet depth off-shore with a column of hydrocarbons of over 676 feet.

The note adds that during the test the well registered a flux of 1,000 oil barrels per day. Engineering and geological studies are still to be made to proceed with analysis of reserves. Contractor group is made up of Cabgoc (operator with 31 per cent), Sonangol (20pc), Agip Angola Exploration B.V (20 pc), Total Fina Elf Angola (20 pc) and Petrogal Exploration (9 pc).

ENDIAMA, DE BEERS NEGOTIATE ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 07/25 - The Angolan Diamonds Company (Endiama) and the South African Multinational (De Beers) on July 15 in London decided to negotiate and resume mutual trust for the development of Angola`s mining sector. Representatives of the two sides agreed to work together, with a view to friendly resolve the differences which have been subjected to judicial and arbitrage judgements. To this end, the negotiators considered that the essential conditions for the normalization of relations between the two companies are created.

"De Beers" applauded the conquest of peace in Angola, said to be jointly liable with the needy population and promised to study with the Angolan government the best ways of assistance.

SOLAR POWER A KEY TO COUNTRYSIDE DEVELOPMENT ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 7/19 - Angolan social welfare minister Joao Baptista Kussumua Thursday acknowledged utilization of solar energy as a key to socio-economic development of rural areas. The Minister was addressing a workshop on the role of solar energy in rural areas, promoted by the ministries of oil and of energy and waters in conjunction with the British Petroleum (BP) and the state-owned Sonangol oil Company. He said solar power supply will help improve sanitary conditions such as conservation of vaccines and functioning of assorted equipment, access to information and trade development.

In the view of João Kussumua, the one-day workshop is the first step foward in the bid to improve the living standards of the internally displaced families. In his turn, Water and Energy Minister Luis Filipe stated that although initial investments in such a technology are seemingly costly and its use limited, it can ultimately help solve some problems in isolated regions in the countryside and with great advantages. It will be useful mainly in those places where fuel is hardly available and maintenance of equipments (generators) is extremely expensive.

Luis Filipe underlined that the sector is engaged in the creation of necessary conditions to spread this technology and draw attention of businesspeople to invest in this field. BP Executive Vice President and Director General Jose Patricio said that the Company is interested in building partnerships for installation of solar panels and help in the country`s development.

OIL PRODUCTION TO REACH ONE MILLION BARRELS DAILY ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 07/19 - Daily production of crude oil in Angola is expected to reach one million barrels by the end of this year, Friday said Minister of Oil Botelho de Vasconcelos. Addressing press during oil Companies` day at Luanda`s International Fair (Filda/2002), the Minister added that such factors as stability of the sector and its growth levels will contribute to attain that figure.

Botelho de Vasconcelos stated that at this moment the sector is implementing some complementary projects, such as a "gas project". He stressed that at the Fair he saw new drilling technologies and development of some projects at Block 15.

FILDA/2002 FAIR AN ENTRY TO SOUTHERN AFRICA MARKET ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 07/17 - The ongoing Luanda International Fair (Filda/2002) constitutes a relevant trade instrument international investors can use to enter Southern Africa market, the commercial officer of the embassy of Spain, Vicente Montez, said Tuesday here. Speaking to Angop, on the occasion of Filda`s Spain day, Vicente Montez stated that the fair is not only a regional event, but a world undertaking that might be the starting point for his country`s commercial strategy to Angola.

The embassy trade officer said as well that despite the war that hit Angolan territory, Spain never suspended its support for Angola. He added that the ties of cooperation were always on for the search for solutions, even in times of crisis. Vicente Montez stressed that Spain business strategy to Angola is far reaching, especially in the sector of finances, trade and business partnership. Spain that has been attending Filda since 1989, is now present with 28 firms, on an area as large as 600 square metres. In the current edition, Spain is mainly represented with the sectors of foodstuffs and industrial equipment.

PRESIDENT DOS SANTOS INFORMS FRENCH PREMIER ON DEVELOPMENTS IN ANGOLA

Luanda, 07/17 - Angolan head of state, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, sent a message to French prime minister, Jean Pierre Rafarin, in which he informs on the country`s ongoing political, social and economic changes in the light of the perspectives of national development and reconstruction. The message was handed over by Angolan foreign minister, João Miranda, on Tuesday in Paris, to his French counterpart, Dominique de Villepin. In the message, president Dos Santos states that the country is going through positive transformations, such as restoring of peace which is "propiciating conditions favouring the consolidation of democracy and resolution of the main economic, social and humanitarian problems resulting from war, thereby launching the country into the prospect of reconstruction and development".

The president thanked the support extended by Francce for the Angolan peace process, stressing that under conditions of stability and economic recovery, new perspectives of cooperation will open to the two countries. Dos Santos also seized the opportunity to congratulate the French premier on winning the legislative elections and wished him success. Since he arrived in France for a two-day working visit, minister Joao Miranda has already met with the cooperation minister, Pierre Wilzer, and the president of the French/Southern Africa senate group, Jacques Velletier.

Strengthening of bilateral cooperation at all elevels was discussed at the meetings characterized by a deep openess on the part of the French authorities concerning the relaunch of the relations between the two countries. Angolan foreign minister also informed on the country`s current situation following the end of war, especially concerning the humanitarian tasks and integration of ex-rebel soldiers of Unita. The situation in the great lakes region was also reviewed by the minister and his partners.

EU SPENDS USD 1,5 MILLION ON WATER PROJECTS IN HUILA  ( In AngolaPress )

Lubango, July 11 - The European Union (EU) spent over this year 1,5 million US Dollars on water production and supply projects in Quipungo, Cacula, Lubango and Quilengues districts in Angola`s southern Huila Province. According to local Energy and Water Ministry Director, Abel Joao da Costa, the money was used in opening of water wells, installation of water pumps and construction of a water supply system for 70,000 people. He said that the government intends to implement a project, worth 2,8 million US Dollars, for rehabilitation of water supply network in the Province.

ANGOLA AND JAPAN SIGN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND HEALTH ACCORDS ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 07/11 - Governments of Angola and Japan Thursday signed two cooperation agreements related to third phase of Luanda`s telephone network rehabilitation and improvements in "Josina Machel" Hospital. Under the accords, the Japanese government will disburse 2,111 million yens (nearly 17 million US Dollars) for installation of 11,800 aditional lines to a telephone exchange in Terra Nova district and restoration of another one in Sao Paulo quarter (Luanda).

The amount will be also used for reconstruction of diagnosis and treatment centre of Luanda`s Josina Machel Hospital that includes five operating rooms, as well as for provision of essential medical equipments. Signing the agreements were Foreign Ministry Asia and Oceania Director, Maria de Jesus Ferreira, and Ambassador of Japan to Angola, Yukio Sugano. Within existing bilateral cooperation, the Japanese government has funded execution of first phase of Luanda`s telephone network rehabilitation for districts of Alvalade and Combatentes.

AFRICA BACKS BID FOR UN SECURITY COUNCIL ( In AngolaPress )

Durban, 07/11 - African heads of state and government at the continent`s newly launched Union summit fully supported Angola`s candidature for a United Nations Security Council non-permanent seat in the 2003/2004 period. The decision was unanimously supported by all heads who also commended Angolan government on its effort to consolidate the country`s peace process. President Jose José Eduardo dos Santos has already returned home after Tuesday`s launch of the African Union (Au) in Durban (South Africa) to substitute the 38-year old Organisation of African Unity (Oau).

The Au also agreed to support Ethiopia`s candidature for a vice presidency of the 57th session of the Un General Assembly.Libya has also received Au support for its bid to chair the Un Human Rights Commission`s 5th Session, whereas Senegal got the backing for the world body`s Industrial Development chair. Kenya got the continent`s blessing to represent East Africa to the International Labour Organisation (Ilo), while Nigeria was given green light to stand as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the 2003/2003 period. On individual candidatures, the continent approved Mauritanian Abdatt Senny for Interpool Executive Committee and Sierra Leonean Abdul Karoma for Hague International Court.

AFRICAN UNION LAUNCHED IN DURBAN ( In AngolaPress )

Durban, 07/10 - The African Union (AU) was proclaimed Tuesday in Durban (South Africa) at 11 hours am (10:00 in Luanda) at a ceremony witnessed by about 40 heads of state and government, including Angolan president, Jose Eduardo dos Santos. The ceremony took place at Durban "Absa" Stadium with its first part marked by six interventions, namely those of South African and host president, Thabo Mbeki, of Zambia, Levy Mwanamassa, of Kenya, Daniel Arap Moi, Gabon, Omar Bongo, Gnassingbe Yeadema of Togo and Mohamed Abdelaziz of Western sahara.

Excepting the first, all the other heads of state spoke on behalf of Southern, West, East and North Africa, respectively. They mainly focused their speech on the hope and wish that the new African body effectively plays its role within the context of the search for a major unity and solidarity among the countries and peoples of Africa. The Un secretary general, Koffi Annan, warned African leaders not to confuse hope with success in looking up with success to the launch of the African Union.

To him, building a successful African Union under the actual conditions requires a great vigour and an iron political will, combined with rapidity in negotiating advances and endless challenges. As from Tuesday, the African Union should be based on the principles of good governance and reciprocal responsibility, he added. The newly proclaimed body is expected to speed up the political, social and economic integration of the continent and promote peace and stability in the continent. Another tasks expected from the African Union is a cooperation with international partners in the eradication of preventable diseases and promotion of good health in Africa.

HOLLAND INVESTS USD 40 MILLION ( In AngolaPress )

Lubango (Angola), 07/10 - Dutch government spent over the last four years 40 million US Dollars in Angola on projects of water supply and resettlement of war displaced people. According to Ambassador of the Netherlands to Angola, Hendrick Van Den Berg, out of this amount five million US Dollars were used in programmes of production and water supply in Provinces of Huila (southern), Bengo, Uige, Zaire and Malanje (northern). He added that the left sum (30 million US Dollars) was spent on resettlement of war displaced people.

The Ambassador said that his country will proceed its support to Angolan government at this moment of peace, particularly in sectors of water and sanitation. Hendrick Van Den Berg stated that the Dutch government also spent over two million US Dollars on opening of water wells and construction of a water supply system in Chibia and Gambos municipalities (southern Huila Province). The Diplomat is in Huila on a two-day official visit aimed at learning about execution of projects funded by his country in the region.

PRESIDENT DOS SANTOS MEETS KOFI ANNAN ( In AngolaPress )

Durban, 07/09 - Angolan head of state, José Eduardo dos Santos, in Durban (South Africa) since Monday afternoon, met with Un secretary general, Kofi Annan. Though the talks did not transpire to the press, it is belived that the two discussed the situation in Angola, in the light of government recent appeal to the international community for support for national reconciliation and humanitarian aid.

President Dos Santos is attending the summit of heads of state and government from the Organisation of Africa Unity (Oau) that started on Monday, ahead of his participation at the launch of the African Union (Au) on Tuesday. He is also meeting with counterparts and other political figures of the continent and world. The Oau meeting which is gathering more than 40 heads of state or their envoys is expected to announce the extinction of the 38-year old Oau and launch the Au.

However, it is commented in Durban that the transition from Oau to Au will not be all that easy. Designed three year ago, during the Syrte (Lybia) extraordinary session, the Au drew inspiration from the European Union model, comprising various institutions that include the Union Conference, Executive Council, Pan African Parliament, Court of Justice and an Economic, Social and Cultural Council.

One of the matters the african countries have to deal with is the funding of the institutions mentioned that will make up the African Union backbone. Africa is still faced with regional and national conflicts, diseases and famine which will stand as the main challenges to those in charge of the new continental organisation. The rate of death of Children under the age of five in Africa reaches 140 out of a thousand and life expectancy is 54 years only.

Only 58 percent of the population has access to drinking water, illiteracy rate among people of over 15 years of age reaches 41 percent, there are 18 telephone lines for a thousand people as compared to 146 to the rest of the world and 567 in the rich nations. The New Partnership for Africa Development (Nepad) will be defended by the Union as an instrument to invert the situation through the change in the existing relations. It is also commented in Durban that Nepad aims mainly at consolidating democracy and good governance in the continent.

BBC MONITORING AFRICA - POLITICAL  ( June 08, 2002 )

The Angolan president, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, met with the Norwegian minister of petroleum and energy, Einar Steensnaes, today to discuss issues regarding industrial cooperation, especially within the petroleum and gas sectors. According to the Norwegian government official, who spoke to the press at the end of the meeting, there are a number of common interests, which could be developed between Angola and his country. He explained that during the meeting, the Angolan president had addressed the importance of international support to fulfil the basic needs of the population and provide housing, clothing and other goods.

Einar Steensnaes therefore added that Norway would provide humanitarian aid to Angola. "We are not only going to benefit by receiving money from the industrial sector, but we are also going to contribute some of the funds in this country to help the Angolan nation and I believe that in a few years time Angola will become a self-sufficient country" - he emphasized. During his four-day visit to Angola, the Norwegian government official visited Cuanza-Sul and Benguela to view a number of socio- economic projects currently under way.

The Norwegian minister of petroleum and energy, who leaves Angola today, also met with his Angolan counterpart, Botelho de Vasconcelos.Norwegian assistance in Angola's petroleum sector began in 1987, when the two countries signed a four-year support programme, from 1987 to 1991, valued at 17 million Norwegian krona.This agreement was extended when another four-year contract from 1991 to 1995 was signed, valued at 28.5m Norwegian krona.

PRESIDENT SETS UP TASK FORCE ON PRIVATE INVESTMENT ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 07/05 - Angolan president Jose Eduardo dos Santos Thursday in Luanda established a task force to work out a legal framework for local and foreign private investment. The team will be coordinated by Lawyer Carlos Maria Feijo and was established in the light of economic and political stability in the country susceptible of capturing investment as an indispensable factor to reconstruction and development.

The task force will seek to study the existing legislation on national and foreign private investment as well as the economic, commercial, fiscal and penal laws in order to propose the corresponding draft law, a press release from the presidential office said. Members of the team are also Francisco Queiroz, Leonel Silva and Eldetrudes Costa.

LUANDA : BP TO DRILL SECOND DEEPWATER WILDCAT  ( Energy24 )

BP is said to be planning to spud its second wildcat well in Angola's ultra-deepwater Block 31 later this month. The first exploration well drilled on the block by BP, the Jupiter-1, was delegated dry. BP is expected to drill the second well in the 5,349 sq km Congo Basin block at a yet to be disclosed drillsite. The Jupiter-1 went to a total depth below the seafloor of 6,670 ft in waters 6,000 ft deep before it was abandoned as water wet. Water depth on Block 31 ranges from 4,921-8,292 ft (1,500-2,500 meters).

Although estimates of the block's potential reserves are not known, it continues to be considered highly prospective. Other exploratory wells in the Angolan Congo Basin ultra-deep blocks have, however, also been unsuccessful. Sonangol's Block 34 N'Demba-1 and ExxonMobil's Block 33 well were both dusters. BP is the operator of Block 31 with 26.67% interest the partners are ExxonMobil 25%, Sonangol 20%, Statoil 13.3%, Marathon Ashland 10%, and TotalFinaElf 5%. In addition to BP's upcoming Block 31 well, TotalFinaElf is planning to spud its first well in adjacent Block 32 this summer.

HEAD OF STATE GETS "TROPICAL" AWARD IN POLITICS ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 06/08 - Angolan president José Eduardo dos Santos was one of the most outstanding personalities of the 2001-2002 period in politics, according to the "Tropical" magazine. The magazine also singled out 20 other personnalities linked to sports, dance, music, fashion and literature in a ceremony on its second anniversary celebrated in Luanda.

Commeting on his being awarded, the head of State dedicated this to the "happiness of all Angolan people" noting that what matters at the moment is that peace is in the heart of each Angolan which is "a real peace". This is a well deserved homenage at a time peace is being commemorated, said Dos Santos.

Among those awarded in the three-hour show was also artiste Barceló de Carvalho "Bonga" as the best Angolan popular musician in Tropical magazine view. "Dog Murras", an other Angolan singer, was awarded in contemporary music whereas the state-owned "TPA" television programme "Nos e a noite" was considered the best of the station.

LUANDA HOSTS CPLP CENTRAL BANKS MEETING ( In AngolaPress )

Luanda, 06/10 - Angola is hosting since Monday the 4th forum on information systems and technologies of the Portuguese speaking community (CPLP) central banks. Representatives from Mozambique, Portugal, and são tome and Principe are attending the 3-day event in an attempt to seek ways of easing the process of information sharing among banks.

The meeting is also meant for promotion and exchange of experience on information and communication systems and technologies and development of common projects.Attendants will discuss the strategic implementation of information and communication systems of Angola`s central bank (BNA) and the importance of communication for harmonious development of payment systems.

The agenda also includes debates on the importance of implementing a business continuity plan in central banks of CPLP and the telecommunications strategy in Angola for a sustainable financial system. Participants are expected to visit Angola central bank head office, the banking training institute, and the inter-banking systems enterprise (EMIS) all based in Luanda. CPLP comprises Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and Sao Tome and Principe. East Timor was recently admitted as observer.

CHEVRON TEXACO UNIT AWARDS ANGOLAN DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT TO ENGINEERING CONSORTIUM  ( By OGJ editors )

HOUSTON, June 4 -- Cabinda Gulf Oil Co. (CABGOC), a unit of ChevronTexaco Corp., awarded a $660 million contract to a consortium of Stolt Offshore SA and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd.(DSME) for its Sanha gas-condensate fields development project on Block 0 off Angola. Of this total, Stolt Offshore expects to receive $240 million, $15 million of which it will book in 2002.

The contract calls for the engineering, procurement, installation, and commissioning of five offshore platforms with two linking bridges, the modification of three existing platforms, and the installation of 100 km of subsea pipelines. These pipelines, 4-30 in., will be laid in 100 m of water. Most of the platform construction will be performed the Stolt Offshore-operated Sonamet yard at Lobito in Angola, the company said. Once completed, the offshore facilities will be installed in the Sanha and Bomboco fields in the Cabinda area off Angola. CABGOC operates the two fields on behalf of Angolan state oil firm Sonangol, ChevronTexaco Corp., Agip SPA, and TotalFinaElf SA.

CheveronTexaco said it was still negotiating a renewal of its biggest production concession, Block 0, offshore Angola. ChevronTexaco operates the block, the largest single production area in Angola with over half the country's output of 450,000 barrels per day, whose lease expires in 2010. "We are negotiating that deal for Block 0 but we've not finalized the deal yet. The lease expires in 2010," a company spokesman said. "We have big investments so we have to take care of that," he added. Industry sources speculated that the company had agreed on a 25-year extension to the concession just prior to the award of new building contracts for a major investment in the block earlier this week. "We don't expect an early conclusion and even if we reached an agreement with Sonangol, the deal will still have to go through government approval," he said. The spokesman declined to comment on when a deal was likely to be finalized. Block 0 is a 2,100 square-mile concession adjacent to the Cabinda coastline, in northern Angola, in which the company has a 39.2 percent interest. Other shareholders are Sonangol with 41 percent, TotalFinaElf with10 percent and Agip with 9.8 percent. Major fields discovered in the Blocks include Banzala, Kokongo, Lomba, N'Dola, North Nemba, Numbi.

Earlier this week Stolt Offshore and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering won a $660 million contract for a large Angolan gas project led by ChevronTexaco. The contract involves engineering, fabrication and installation of five offshore platforms as part of the Sanha Condensate project, in Block 0, which is part of the plan to end gas flaring at the prolific Cabinda oilfields. The project includes modifying three existing platforms and installing 100 kilometers of subsea pipelines, with much of the work taking place in Lobito, Angola. Sanha will eliminate about 40 percent of gas flaring in Block 0.

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