Luís Ceia stated in a Lusa interview that this marks the 13th consecutive year of participation for the AEP at the 40th edition of the Angola International Fair (Filda), which began today and will run until Sunday in the province of Icolo e Bengo. Fifteen companies from sectors such as metalworking, food products, and construction are present.
“At the moment, we still have approximate figures, but they indicate a trend of growth and even investment by Angola in Portugal, which is important. Even during less favorable times, there are positive data to note,” he said.
According to Luís Ceia, the goal is to showcase the best of Portuguese companies to a market “so important” to Portugal as the Angolan market, “not just because of its size, or language, but because of mutual trust.”
“We have been investing in the Angolan market for many years, bringing and supporting various companies in different areas, from north to south of the country,” said the vice president of AEP, highlighting that many companies have already succeeded in the Angolan market.
The firm objective of Portuguese companies at the fair, as Luís Ceia emphasized, “is to expand their range of suppliers, clients, in other words, contacts, to result in more investments and, above all, more wealth creation for both countries.”
The association leader emphasized that the participation of Portuguese companies remains nearly the same compared to the previous edition, noting that it used to be greater, which may indicate natural growth of the companies.
“Many that came with us as a group, here at the Portugal pavilion and sharing the space we created, now assert themselves individually in other pavilions and with different production, gaining strength. We hope that some that are with us this year can come individually in future years,” he explained.
In turn, Paulo de Oliveira, the executive administrator of the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP), noted the 40th anniversary of Filda and the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence, expressing gratitude for the representation of Portuguese companies.
Paulo Oliveira pointed out that today is dedicated to Portugal at Filda, aiming to convey to Portuguese companies the support from AICEP and Angolan authorities, crucial for their welcome.
“We know there are huge challenges, high contextual costs. Angola is not for amateurs; it is for resilient, determined entrepreneurs,” he stated.
Paulo Oliveira believes that despite challenges, the Angolan market continues to be attractive for Portuguese companies, emphasizing that “Portugal is an old partner of Angola, both present and future,” involved in many sectors such as construction, health, insurance, agri-food, industry, and services.
Ventisec, a company associated with the agro-industry for 35 years and operating in Angola since 2018, is participating at Filda with the aim of identifying new clients and showcasing products like grain dryers, cleaners, and rice hullers, according to its manager, José Botelho.
“We are in the market, accepting the challenges and invitations to participate (…) We believe in this business, in this country, where there is a lot to be done,” he mentioned.
Lacto Serra, which has been trading in Angola for four years, is participating at Filda, expecting to consolidate business with current clients and seeking new ones after several years of presence, said the commercial director, Miguel Espírito Santo.
“We have a solid company with growth, and the focus on the Angolan market has also contributed to this growth. Over the years, we have improved our market in Angola, and we hope that this year we will continue this work,” he highlighted.
Susana da Silva, administrator of Cacicambra, a leading company in the armory sector, said they are returning to Filda after some hiatus. She noted that exports to Angola are not high but constant, with partnerships that have lasted over 20 years.
She emphasized the transition period that Angolan private security companies are undergoing, moving away from war weapons to defensive arms, providing an opportunity for Cacicambra.
