Based on the strategy of the Egyptian African Businessmen Association, interest in the African economy. and investment in various sectors, the association launched, by Dr. Yousrey Elsharkawi, The activities of the Egyptian-Angolan investment meeting -2023. Yesterday, Tuesday.
The meeting was organized by the construction and building committee of the association. Headed by Eng. Mahmoud Hegazy, This is in cooperation with the Angola Embassy in Cairo. and the African Export-Import Bank Afreximbank and the African Federation of Construction and Building Contractors Organizations.
attended the meeting, A delegation from the State of Angola headed by the Angolan Minister of Housing, Labor and Infrastructure, And with them a delegation consisting of 6 first-class government leaders in the construction, infrastructure, and utilities sectors. As well as 12 CEOs of major companies in the housing, utilities and infrastructure sector from the Angolan side.
The meeting discussed many important issues related to the Angolan and Egyptian economies. investment and financing opportunities in building and construction, And identify areas of joint priority cooperation between the two countries.
The conference also discussed in its activities opportunities for cooperation between businessmen in Egypt and Angola, and some experiences and expertise gained and investment opportunities in Angola were presented, and mechanisms for means of cooperation between specialized institutions and companies to open new horizons of cooperation between the two countries, and presented Angola’s strategy in developing the field of housing.
The organization of the meeting comes within the framework of strengthening economic cooperation relations between Egypt and Angola. that lasts for many years, And work to create a platform that enables the business sector and investors in the two countries to rely on it as a means of identifying trade and investment opportunities, And open the way for dialogue on joint investment opportunities and promising projects in both countries. Especially in the field of building and construction.
Dr. Yousry ElSharkawi chairman of the association welcomed, In his speech at the opening of the meeting, In attendance, stressing what this meeting represents as a comprehensive platform for investment officials in Egypt and Angola. In order to enhance direct dialogue and exchange of experiences between all parties concerned with investment in the two countries.
AlSharkawi explained that the association was and is still making unremitting efforts in order to achieve the desired development. As it has sought over the past years and until today to create a favorable environment to attract more investments and work towards achieving African integration, We also launch many events that represent appropriate forums for consultation on facing the challenges that impede the promotion of investments in the countries of the continent.
During his speech, he stressed the association’s continued keenness to cooperate with all brotherly African countries within the framework of partnership that allows the exchange of experiences. affirms mutual respect, He expressed his hope that the outputs of the Egyptian-Angolan investment meeting would contribute to boosting investments in the continent.
ElSharkawi indicated that the meeting aims to strengthen and deepen the investment and trade ties between the two countries in the fields of housing, industry, infrastructure, mining, Emphasizing the association’s full readiness to provide all necessary facilities to increase cooperation, As well as the exchange of experts, researchers and technicians to provide their advisory services with regard to projects related to infrastructure, construction and building, and other areas, Encouraging the exchange of business missions and visits in order to learn about the experiences and expertise of each party in various fields.
ElSharkawi stressed that the state of Angola is of vital and strategic importance to the African business and financial community and to Egyptian investors and traders, stressing that this is due to the stability and significant improvement achieved by Angola in economic growth, noting that there are many expectations that confirm that the growth in the Angolan economy will reach higher than 3.5%, an increase of 0.7% compared to the previous year 2022, praising the structural reform programs that support the non-oil sector and the flexibility of this sector.
On the other hand, ElSharkawi talked about the decline in the inflation rate this year in Angola from 13.8% to 12.3% by the end of this year, and there is nothing threatening the Angolan economy or tainting it with risks except for the state of uncertainty that threatens the global economy due to the various economic conditions. The reasons that the whole world is going through.
He continued his speech about the most important indicators of the stability and success of the Angolan economy, which is the decrease in the ratio of public debt to GDP by 17.5% to reach 66%, indicating that Angola enjoys membership in OPEC and the African Union, and they have a modern and strong financial and business community, which confirms that we are facing an opportunity Very good; To create successful companies, enter into major promising investments, maximize the volume of trade, and increase trade exchange between countries.
On the other hand, ElSharkawi confirmed that Egypt has long experience in all construction sectors. infrastructure, and build cities, as well as engineering consultancy, Adding that the association has great confidence in the strength of Egyptian companies in this field.
Dr. Yousrey ElSharkawi added, This meeting is an opportunity to open new doors of cooperation between the two countries. He expressed his hope that this meeting would be benefited from. Achieving the desired goal in the presence of a group of experienced leaders and businessmen from Egypt and Angola.
At the beginning of his speech, Dr. Carlos Alberto Dosanto conveyed, The Angolan Minister of Housing, his greetings to Dr. Yousry ElSharkawi, chairman of the Egyptian-African Businessmen Association, confirmed, For all those attending the meeting, Dr. Dosanto commended, On the role played by the association in the progress and renaissance of economic development in the continent of Africa.
He stressed that the conference is an arena for meeting hundreds of the most prominent officials in the housing sector and related sectors in Egypt and Angola. It is also an embodiment of the effective partnership between the Egyptian African Businessmen Association, and the African Export-Import Bank Afreximbank and the African Federation of Construction and Building Contractors Organizations, And an opportunity to present the Egyptian and Angolan experiences to solve the housing problem.
The Angolan Minister of Housing confirmed, The Egyptian-Angolan investment meeting comes within the framework of strengthening the commitments of all countries of the African continent towards achieving the goals of sustainable development. The meeting provides a space for discussion to present common visions to address the current and future housing challenges in Angola. And ways to advance the field of building and construction in the country, Especially in light of technological developments and economic changes taking place in the world, By focusing on smart city planning mechanisms, that meet adequate housing needs, And improve the quality of life.
Dr. Nelson Cosme added, Ambassador of Angola in Cairo, The meeting is established through its sessions, Quality of life standards in light of meeting the demand for adequate housing, In order to meet the needs of present and future generations, To meet the demand for the right to adequate housing for all groups, he also explained that Africa is witnessing a huge expansion of cities due to its geographical nature and continued demographic growth. As the population of the continent is constantly and rapidly increasing, He warns that it is not possible to continue building and building according to the same traditional methods.
He stressed the need to set flexible rules that adapt to the increase in population. the country’s economy, And improve the problem management available by using smart technology.
Engineer Hassan Abdel Aziz reviewed, chairman of the African Federation of Construction and Building Contractors Organizations, about the union, Revealing that there is a great desire from the Egyptian private sector to be present in Africa, especially in the file of exporting contracting abroad. Adding that the federation has strong relations in Africa, Noting his desire to expand and enter the Angolan market.
He pointed out that the presence of Egyptian companies in Africa has many positive aspects. It is beneficial to the Egyptian economy. Stressing the importance of agreeing on means to remove all internal and external challenges facing the export of contracting to African markets.
Engineer Hassan Abdel Aziz welcomed the cooperation with Angola. Stressing that it is decided to agree on the mechanisms of cooperation and coordination between the federation and the Angolan Ministry of Housing; To achieve the goal of developing the construction sector in the country.
ElSharkawi concluded the meeting. by expressing hope, To witness the dialogue sessions of the conference, Rich discussions and exchange of experiences between the elite and specialists in the economy, particularly in the area of housing, And that the conference come out with recommendations that represent a common vision of Angola and Egypt towards housing development, He concluded his speech by extending his sincere thanks to the businessmen and members of the association. to participate in the meeting, And to the Angola Embassy in Cairo, and the African Export-Import Bank Afreximbank and the African Federation of Construction and Building Contractors Organizations, Contribute to the organization of the conference.