President Luong Cuong and his spouse are scheduled to pay a State visit to Angola from August 6-9 at the invitation of President Joao Manuel Gonçalves Lourenco and his spouse.

Talking to the press in Hanoi recently, Ambassador Miguel affirmed that this is the highest-level visit by a Vietnamese leader to Angola in nearly two decades. The visit marks a turning point in the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Angola as both countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1975–2025).

During the visit, he said, both sides will hold high-level meetings between leaders, ministries, and enterprises, and sign several important cooperation agreements. These activities will allow the two countries to review the implementation of existing agreements, define new priorities, and establish favourable legal frameworks for future cooperation initiatives.

According to the Ambassador, the economic potential between Vietnam and Angola remains underutilised. With a population of nearly 36 million, Angola is one of Africa’s largest consumer markets having strong demand for products in sectors such as processed agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and technology that all match Vietnam’s strengths in manufacturing and exports.

Despite this, two-way trade currently stands at a modest US$150–200 million annually. Angola has strong interest in sectors where Vietnam has practical experience, such as oil and gas, telecommunications, agriculture, healthcare, and vocational training.

The two countries are negotiating key documents, including one on investment promotion and protection; double tax avoidance; and trade, agriculture, and industry cooperation. These legal instruments will offer businesses long-term security and encourage greater investment and partnership, he stressed.

Angola is currently implementing its 2023-2027 national development strategy, focusing on industrialisation, sustainable agriculture, and digital transformation – the areas where Vietnam can contribute through a “co-development” model rather than simple trade exchange, according to the diplomat.

The Angolan government has introduced investment-friendly policies, including simplified licensing procedures, tax incentives for priority projects, special economic zones with a one-stop-shop mechanism, and a stabilized national currency (Kwanza), which facilitates profit repatriation.

Ambassador Miguel therefore encouraged Vietnamese enterprises to penetrate Angola as a long-term strategic partner and collaborate in building sustainable value chains in Africa.

Vietnam has approximately 8,000 people living and working in Angola, the largest overseas community in Africa. They are active in construction, trade, education, healthcare, and electronics, and their diligence, creativity, and strong adaptability have enabled them to secure a firm position in the local economy.

The Ambassador expressed his belief President Luong Cuong’s would generate new political momentum to comprehensively promote bilateral cooperation across all areas.

President’s state visit heralds new era of partnership with Angola: diplomat

President Luong Cuong and his spouse’s state visit to Angola from August 6-9 at the invitation of Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco and his spouse is expected to open a new development phase for the Vietnam – Angola relations, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to the African country Duong Chinh Chuc.