PN26/2011

Published: Wednesday 9 February, 2011

FCO Minister for Africa highlights opportunities in Angola

Following his recent trade visit to Angola in December, Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham will meet a number of British business representatives this afternoon to discuss his findings and to highlight the real opportunities available in this southern African market.

The event, jointly organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the FCO, will include presentations from Alex Vines, Director of Regional and Security Studies at Chatham House; Sandy Burrell Technical Director at URS/Scott Wilson and Karen Neal, Head of UKTI in Angola.

FCO Minister Henry Bellingham said:

“This Government is committed to strengthening bilateral trade relations with Angola, and to ensuring that we have the right foundations that enable sustainable growth and development.

“I visited Angola last December and was incredibly impressed with the many opportunities that exist for UK business, particularly in vocational skills, energy, infrastructure and education sectors. British companies that want to grow their business on African soil should seriously consider this market. The potential here is rich and plentiful."

The event will also provide attendees, who hail from a number of sectors including financial services, construction, energy and education, with the chance to ask questions about trading in Angola, and the support they will receive in this market.

Fact file

• During his visit to Angola in December 2010, Minister Bellingham re-launched the British Business Group Angola (BBGA).

• Angola is the third largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Angola vies with Nigeria to be the largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa

• It is the UK’s third largest African market for visible exports.

• It is the tenth largest import market in Africa.

• Top exports from the UK to Angola 2009 include specialised industrial machinery; general industrial machinery and equipment; iron and steel; manufactures of metals and professional, scientific and control instruments.

Media contacts

For more information contact Rosetta Buahin at the UKTI Press Office. Email rosetta.buahin@ukti.gsi.gov.uk or call +44 (0)207 215 8530.

Notes to editors

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media. You can also keep in touch with developments at UKTI through www.blog.ukti.gov.uk, www.twitter.com/ukti and www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ukti.