European Union satisfied with the Lobito Corridor
A delegation representing the European Union (EU) conducted a visit to the Port of Lobito on Saturday, the 9th, aimed at reinforcing its collaborative efforts with Angola concerning the Lobito Corridor.
EU Ambassador to Angola, Rosária Bento Pais, highlighted the organization’s commitment to catalyzing the operationalization of the Lobito Atlantic Railway consortium to effectively address outlined challenges.
Emphasizing a tangible step in Huambo towards establishing a logistics platform for tropical fruits, Pais underscored the need to witness firsthand the Port of Lobito’s potential.
Within the framework of the EU’s “Global Gateway” strategy adopted in 2021, the Lobito Corridor and Barra do Dande projects are pivotal.
While refraining from disclosing specific investment figures due to ongoing impact studies and technical evaluations, Pais expressed optimism in leveraging various sectors for intervention, fostering an enabling environment for robust private sector involvement and confident investments.
During the recent Angola/EU business forum on November 17, a sustainable development agreement was inked, promising to underpin the feasibility of multiple investments within Angola’s purview.
Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, João Gomes Cravinho, hailed the visit as a vital opportunity to acquaint themselves with the Port of Lobito, emphasizing its role in bolstering economic ties between Africa and Europe.
He lauded its potential as a conduit for African production to reach global markets, foreseeing its strategic importance for global economic growth.
Cravinho envisioned the Lobito Corridor as a game-changer for investors seeking opportunities beyond the EU or the Western world.
He reiterated its significance as a pivotal transport artery for raw materials from Angola’s interior and neighboring regions, foreseeing its pivotal role in bolstering the global economy.
Celso Rosas, the CEO of the port company, echoed satisfaction at the EU delegation’s recognition of the Corridor’s potential economic contributions.
He emphasized broad participation from stakeholders such as the EU, the US, and other global powers as pivotal for the Corridor’s success, eradicating any doubts regarding its viability and functionality.
