ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC AT THE BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE IN BELGRADE

His Excellency Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia, His Excellency Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Serbia, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Allow me to begin by expressing my gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Serbian authorities to my delegation and by welcoming the presence of the entrepreneurs and businesswomen and businessmen from our two countries participating in this Business Roundtable. Political relations between Angola and Serbia are strong and have their roots in the struggle for National Independence and the self-determination of the Angolan people, when, during those difficult moments in our history, we benefited from the solidarity and assistance of the peoples who made up the former Yugoslavia. We have always stood together at defining moments in the history of our countries, and we now wish to open a new chapter in our strategic partnership by deepening economic and business relations. We live in a geopolitical context marked by challenges to global peace and stability and by changes, not based on consensus, to the principles governing relations among nations. These circumstances should not discourage us. On the contrary, they should mobilise us to uphold the importance of multilateralism, dialogue, international peace and security, peaceful coexistence among peoples, and mutually beneficial cooperation among nations. This meeting therefore provides an opportunity to identify opportunities for private investment and trade and to promote mutually beneficial partnerships. Ladies and Gentlemen, Angola is a young nation, with a hardworking and welcoming people, endowed with abundant water and mineral resources, unique flora and fauna, and vast areas of arable land yet to be developed. It is a country with significant tourism, economic and social potential, and with the foundations for a prosperous future. To transform this potential into well-being and social prosperity, we have adopted an ambitious National Development Plan and, over the past several years, have worked to ensure a sound business environment conducive to private investment. In addition to investing in human capital, we have been implementing a series of reforms aimed at building a dynamic, increasingly diversified and competitive economy, with the private sector playing a central role in generating wealth, employment and innovation. To meet our development needs, the Angolan Executive is implementing an extensive Public Investment Programme in transport infrastructure, electricity generation, water collection, treatment and distribution, telecommunications coverage, and high-quality social infrastructure. Our economy is growing and diversifying, but we still have needs and opportunities in critical sectors in which we would like to see greater private investment. I would particularly highlight agriculture and livestock farming, including supporting machinery and equipment, the pharmaceutical and automotive industries, tourism and the digital economy, as well as any other sectors that may be of interest to Serbian investors. We intend to foster active partnerships capable of promoting sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and advancing economic integration within the regional and global context. Through the infrastructure currently being developed, Angola is creating the conditions to become an important continental logistics hub. We are making significant investments in the construction and modernisation of major ports and airports and in expanding the country's road and railway networks. The Lobito Corridor connects the Atlantic Ocean to the interior of the continent, creating opportunities for trade, industrialisation, competitiveness and economic integration across Central and Southern Africa. We are making substantial investments in hydroelectric and solar power generation, as well as in electricity transmission lines, to support economic and social development, drive industrial growth and ensure the well-being of our population. Ladies and Gentlemen, No economy can reach its full potential without dynamic partnerships that create added value. Angola and Serbia have a unique opportunity to build on their complementarity. I invite the Serbian business leaders, investors and financial institutions present here to engage with their Angolan counterparts, explore the potential offered by our market and participate in the economic transformation process that we are undertaking. We advocate for a definitive end to all wars and armed conflicts, particularly those whose consequences have a significant impact on the global economy. In the meantime, the world cannot come to a standstill. Therefore, given the instability in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf and even in Europe, Africa—and Angola in particular—stands out as a secure destination for private investment and can contribute to the food and energy security that the world so greatly seeks. Come and invest in Angola, in all sectors of interest to you. Thank you very much.