The Chinese-built airport promises to be a gamechanger in the southern African nation’s efforts to diversify its economy.
Luanda
The Southern African nation’s reliance on such farms needs to be reduced if food security is to be improved, officials say.
When complete, the $3.8 billion facility will become one of the African continent’s most important aviation hubs.
Gong Tao listed inadequate protection from natural disasters and ageing infrastructure among the challenges faced by Chinese investors.
Gong Tao’s remarks, made to Angolan President João Lourenço, appear to quash suggestions that Beijing is reducing the importance it places on ties with Luanda.
Angola’s government has high hopes that the facility will spur economic diversification and growth in southwestern Africa.
More than 100 ships expected every year; new airport also on drawing board as part of province’s growing infrastructure.
Covering more than 4,700 hectares, the zone is the republic’s largest such project and also contains a commercial hub and housing developments.
Bank is already financing projects connected to Angola’s import substitution plan and agriculture.
