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,