Networking Breakfast with

H.E. Fiel Domingos Constantino,

Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Angola

(left to right) Ms. Maria da Cruz, USACC's President; H.E. Fiel Domingos Constantino, Angolan Minister of Commerce; Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço, Executive Director at the World Bank;

Hon. Agostinho Tavares da Silva Neto, Angolan Ambassador to the U.S.
On Wednesday, September 28, 2016, the U.S.-Angola Chamber of Commerce (USACC) hosted a networking breakfast featuring Angolan Minister of Commerce, H.E. Fiel Domingos Constantino.　Minister Constantino was in Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2016 15th, The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum: Maximizing U.S.-Africa Trade & Investment, held  September 22-26, 2016. 
 
The annual AGOA Forum brings together African Trade Ministers with U.S. counterparts to find ways to collaborate on enhancing trade and investment relations.  AGOA was reauthorized in 2015 for ten more years, providing opportunities for  Angola to export products to the U.S.

 

USACC's President, Ms. Maria da Cruz welcomed the Minister and his senior level delegation to Washington, DC.  Ms. da Cruz thanked Minister Constantino for his support to the trade mission that was held in Luanda, Angola at the beginning of September 2016.  The companies that participated in the mission noted, the government of Angola was eager to increase private investment.  The participating companies represented various sectors to include, infrastructure, agriculture, hotel and tourism, and renewal energy which directly correlated to the Government of Angola's effort to diversify its economy.  Ms. da Cruz also thanked USACC's Board of Directors and membership for keeping Angola in the forefront of American business in USACC's 25 years as an organization.   

 

Recently, Angolan coffee "Café Cazengo," received authorization to enter the U.S. market through AGOA.  Within a week, Café Cazengo will be accessible in Miami, Houston, New York City and Atlanta.  Café Cazengo, a product of Angola, entry into the U.S. market was made possible through a partnership between the U.S. and Angolan private sector.
(left to right)Antonio da Silva, President of APIEX; H.E. Fiel Domingos Constantino
Angolan Minister of Commerce H.E. Fiel Domingos Constantino, shared his views on the AGOA Forum and his impressions of his first visit to Washington, DC.   Minister Constantino stated, "there are good policy initiatives between both the U.S. Administration and the Government of Angola.  However, from a business standpoint, Angolan entrepreneurs are still having difficulties accessing the U.S. market."  Minister Constantino was extremely grateful for having participated in several meetings with U.S. representatives and the business community.  These meetings provided him further understanding of mechanisms to benefit the business community in Angola to enter the U.S. market.  Minister Constantino challenged USACC to coordinate with his office forums on the opportunities available to increase trade and investment between US and Angola. 
President of Angola's Agency for Promotion of Investments and Exportation (APIEX), Antonio Henriques da Silva provided brief remarks on Angola's new private investment law.  Under this new law, he indicated Angola aims to increase economic growth and trade, infrastructure and the distribution of wealth within Angola through new tax incentives for investors.  In the new model for private investment, technical units were created within each ministry to facilitate approval of projects.  APIEX convenes foreign and local investors, providing better understanding of the investment climate in Angola.  Mr. Silva encouraged companies to review APIEX's presentation, which can be obtained through USACC, outlining the Government of Angola's vision to attract more private investment.  He concluded by indicating USACC and APIEX would closely collaborate to promote and increase trade and investment U.S. and Angola.
Ambassador of Angola to the U.S., Hon. Agostinho Tavares da Silva Neto provided closing remarks highlighting the continued cooperation between the U.S. and Angola.  Ambassador Tavares noted the opening of a Commercial Service office at the U.S. Embassy in Luanda as a sign of U.S. commitment to improve commerce between U.S. and Angola.  Ambassador Tavares confirmed the next strategic dialogue is scheduled to occur in Luanda in November 2016, aimed to reinforce the continued partnership between both countries.   
(Left to right) H.E. Fiel Domingos Constantino and Maria da Cruz
Ms. da Cruz concluded the meeting with the presentation of an engraved plaque, inscribed with: "Presented to His Excellency Fiel Domingos Constantino in commemoration of your first visit to Washington, DC as Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Angola and your support to our mission. Washington, DC - September 28, 2016."
Also in attendance at the networking breakfast was Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço, Executive Director at the Board of the World Bank Group and represents the constituency of Angola, Nigeria and South Africa; Mr. Renato Almeida, Chevron - Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of USACC; Mr. Aaron Martz, Desk Officer for Angola and Namibia; Mrs. Ana Beatriz Costa, Commercial Representative of the Embassy of Angola in the U.S.
At 25 years old, the U.S.-Angola Chamber of Commerce (USACC) is the oldest and unique organization devoted exclusively to promoting U.S. trade and investment in Angola, and Angolan economic development. USACC provides business-oriented services and events for its members, offering a degree of in-depth contacts and expertise on Angola, not found in any other organization.