Briefing with Angolan Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Agostinho Tavares da Silva Neto
On Tuesday, August 9, the U.S.-Angola Chamber of Commerce (USACC), in partnership with the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), hosted a briefing featuring Angolan Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Agostinho Tavares da Silva Neto.　This briefing built upon last week's US-Angola Strategic Energy Dialogue and aimed at attracting US investors to participate in the upcoming trade mission to Angola, September 4-11, 2016.
 
Corporate Council on Africa's President, Stephen Hayes expressed his hope the meeting would encourage U.S. companies to take a serious look at opportunities for investment in Angola.

Left to right: Steve Hayes, president of the Corporate Council on Africa; Maria da Cruz, executive director of the US-Angola Chamber of Commerce
USACC Executive Director,　 Maria da Cruz noted that the government of Angola is eager to work with companies interested on investing in Angola. The Roundtable of August 2nd brought Minister of Petroleum, H.E. José Botelho de Vasconcelos, and Minister of Energy and Water, H.E. João Baptista Borges, signaling that Angola's commitment in attracting foreign investment to support the economic diversification agenda. Cruz said that when U.S. companies invest, they support capacity building and training as well as investment in social and economic development. This practice makes them stand out in the view of the Angolan people. "The U.S. private sector should be the friend that Angola needs during these challenging times. The economic projection is that things will get better and US companies should be present on the ground to shape the future."

His Excellency Agostinho Tavares da Silva Neto, Angolan ambassador to the United States
Angolan Ambassador to the United States H.E. Agostinho Tavares da Silva Neto,　shared his views on the　Energy Roundtable held August 2nd,　and discussed his country's opportunities for investment.　 He noted that in order to achieve　its goals,　Angola is　looking for support from　international partners, like the United States. He believes there is great potential for significant mutual benefit between the US and Angola to improve social and economic prospects of the country. "The Angolan government wants Angolans to participate to the fullest extent possible, in its economic growth." He anticipates a major role for foreign companies, particularly from the United States.

 

 
A question and answers sessions evolved around Angola's investment landscape. Issues related to foreign currencies repatriation, health companies facilitation, business litigation and assistance to the rural communities, were raised by the participants.
 
Left to right: Maria da Cruz, executive director of the U.S.-Angola Chamber of Commerce; His Excellency Agostinho Tavares da Silva Neto, Angolan Ambassador to the United States; Steve Hayes, president of the Corporate Council on Africa
Also in attendance at the briefing were Rick Angiuoni, Director for Africa of the ExIm Bank, and Frederico Da Silva, Counselor for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Angola in the U.S., and Ana Beatriz Costa, Commercial Attaché.
U.S.-Angola Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Corporate Council on Africa will host a trade mission to Angola and Namibia, September 4-11, 2016.  We hope you will join us on this mission!