Angola said it is seeking Japan’s experience in terms of production of cereals and policies related to the protection of producers.
The intention is part of the measures aimed to boost national production to ensure food security, the Angolan minister of Economy and Planning Mário Caetano João said Wednesday in Luanda.
Mário Caetano João was speaking to the press at the end of an audience he granted to the minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Nishimura Yasutoshi.
Angolan official considered crucial that national rice producers set the domestic market as their priority.
Mário Caetano João said the meeting with his Japanese counterpart addressed the issue of fostering startups, from incubators and boosting and promoting startups so that they can effectively contribute to the creation of employment in urban areas.
In the 50-minute meeting, the incumbent minister noted that an approach on the education sector was at the table, and the parties highlighted the need to strengthen human capital, using information technologies.
“In general, we analysed the participation of the Japanese economy in Angola’s growth, mainly in the import of technology, since we understand that the trade and financial balance is below the potential of the two States”, Mário Caetano João has said.
In turn, the Japanese minister Nishimura Yasutoshi said that his visit follows the visit of President João Lourenço to Japan, alongside the business forum of the two countries, which took place last in March.
“During my visit to Angola we will sign a mutual protection agreement for investments”, underlined that Japanese entity, stressing that he came to Angola to strengthen and put the talks between the two heads of governments into practice.
After stressing bilateral relations between Angola and his country, the official noted the 26 Japanese companies operating in national territory will help boost the relations between the two countries.
He pledged his Government availability to support these companies for the implementation of the various projects underway in Angola.
The data indicate that the trade balance between the two countries stands at US$597 million.
Between 2020 and 2022, Angolan exports to Japan were US$108 million and with imports standing at US$489 million. The trade balance was US$380 million unfavorable to Angola.
At the center of these commercial transactions, on the part of Angola, are exports of crude oil, propane and butane gas, and imports consisting of vehicles, auto parts, transport materials, machinery, appliances, plastics, rubber, iron and steel.
Cooperation between Angola and Japan began in 1988 as Emergency Aid, via UNICEF, where later, Japan began to provide assistance in the areas of mine clearance, social reintegration of former soldiers and reintegration of refugees.
Japan’s support also extends to assistance with the repatriation of refugees, water supply facilities, construction of primary schools, communication network and ports.
In the Health sector, Japan has donated, since 1996, 40 million dollars for the rehabilitation and equipment of the Josina Machel Hospital
Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)