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WT/TPR/W/90  
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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/En langue originale seulement/En el idioma original solamente . 
  ANGOLA  
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 22 AND 24 SEPTEMBER 2015 
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat (Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 28 October 2015. 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales 
 
ANGOLA  
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 22 ET 24 SEPTEMBRE 2015 
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat (Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 28 octobre 2015 au plus tard. 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales 
 
ANGOLA  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 22 Y 24 DE OCTUBRE DE 2015 
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sra. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 28 de octubre de 2015 las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones. 
 
 
_______________ 
 WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
ANGOLA  
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) 
CONTENTS 
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ....................................................... 3  
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE RE PRESENTATIVE OF ANGOLA ...................................... 5  
3  STATEMENT BY TH E DISCUSSANT .............................................................................. 14  
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS ........................................................................................ 17  
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  ANGOLA AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ......... 38  
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ......................................................... 43  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Angola are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/321/Add.1 and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/ tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The second Trade Policy Review of Angola  was held on 22 and 24 September 2015. The 
Chairperson H.E. Mr Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) welcomed the delegation of Angola headed by H.E. Minister Rosa Escórcio Pacavi ra de Matos, Trade Minister; H.E. Ambassador 
Apolinário Jorge Correia, Permanent Representati ve of Angola to the WTO; the rest of the 
delegation from Angola; other colleagues fr om the mission in Geneva; and the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Xavier Carim (South Africa). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of th e Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Angola was contained in document WT/TPR/G/321 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/321. 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline of 
5.30 pm on 8 September and had been transmitted to the delegation of Angola: Canada; Republic 
of Korea; Brazil; Australia; European Union; China; Chile; United States; and Norway. The following delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: Colombia; Ecuador; 
Argentina; and Thailand. These questions had also been transmitted to the delegation of Angola. 
1.4.  The Chairperson was pleased to note that Angola was overcoming the consequences of 
several decades of socio-political crises and was graduating from LDC status. Its post-civil war 
recovery, with double-digit economic growth ov er 2006-2008, had been supported by rising world 
prices of commodities and significant public investment, mainly in infrastructure, including utilities. Indeed, offshore oil activities remained the main pillar of the Angolan economy, notwithstanding the recent decline in world prices. The country was the second largest producer of oil in 
Sub-Saharan Africa and deep-water exploration of its coast could reveal additional reserves. It was 
also among the world's leading producers of diamonds; its diverse subsoil resources had not yet been fully explored and evaluated. Likewise, Angola's huge potential in agriculture remained 
largely unexploited, even if the sector was estima ted to be the main source of revenue for about 
one third of the population. 
1.5.  Recent external shocks, including the glob al economic crisis and the drop in commodity 
prices had, however, triggered an economic slowdown and had highlighted that diversification was 
crucial for sustained growth of the Angolan econ omy. For diversification purposes, Angola had 
adopted various programmes, including the National Development Strategy and "Angola Investe", with a view to modernizing its economy and achieving sustainable development. 
1.6.  Angola had implemented various trade reforms: it had, inter alia , eliminated its pre-shipment 
inspection system; computerized its main customs posts; and merged all fiscal administrations into a General Fiscal Agency. However, Angola had also implemented a number of measures aimed at 
import substitution. In fact, its applied tariff rates had been significantly increased and ranged 
from 2% to 50%, with a simple average of 10.9%, up from 7.4% in 2005. As a consequence, on 31 tariff lines, applied rates exceeded the bound levels by up to 35 percentage points. Various 
other duties and charges were also levied on imports. An import prohibition applied to cement, and 
various agricultural products were eligible for an  import quota regime, which was yet to apply.  
1.7.  State-owned enterprises operated in almost all economic activities; in particular, the oil, 
electricity and diamond industries mostly remain ed under State monopoly. Moreover, driven by 
offshore oil activities, Angola's high economic growth had not created enough jobs, and 
unemployment remained high at around 25%.  
1.8.  Angola was an original Member of the WT O; it was encountering difficulties to meet its 
notification requirements under the WTO Agreements. As part of its diversification strategy, Angola 
participated in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but had not yet granted any tariff preferences to its 
trading partners. 
1.9.  It was interesting to hear how Angola planned to address these various challenges. 1.10.  The Chairperson was sure that these topi cs and themes, and many more, would be touched 
upon in greater detail at the deliberations on the first and second day of the meeting.  WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  1.11.  The Chairperson closed his introductory re marks by wishing Angola a very successful second 
Trade Policy Review. He looked forward to its active engagement in this TPR. 
1.12.  He also noted that a podcast would be made of the meeting which could be accessed on the 
Members' website. 
1.13.  Before giving the floor to the head of th e delegation of Angola, the Chairperson informed 
Members that the Secretariat of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) wished to be allowed to observe the TPR meeting on its member countries. Indeed, the SACU Secretariat did help its 
member States and the WTO Secretariat in the preparation of the TPR of its member countries 
scheduled for 4 and 6 November 2015. Therefore, if there were no objections, the Chairperson 
suggested that the SACU Secretariat be allowed to observe the TPR meeting on its member countries on an ad hoc basis. 
1.14.  It was so decided. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ANGOLA (H.E. MINISTER ROSA 
ESCÓRCIO PACAVIRA DE MATOS) 
2.1.  Allow me on behalf of the Angolan delegation to thank for the warmly welcome to 
Switzerland and particularly here to the WTO where we discuss social, economic and trade issues 
affecting the global economy 
2.2.  Angola attaches great importance to the second Trade Review Policy and thanks the WTO 
Secretariat, in particular His Excellency Mr Ro berto de Azevêdo, WTO Director General, for the 
efforts made to organize the Angola TPR. 
2.3.  We are honoured for the interest showed by WTO Members for the Angola trade policy 
review, which will contribute for more active participation in the multilateral trading system with the observance of the WTO principles. 
2.4.  Since its first Trade Policy Review in 2006, the Republic of Angola has continued to 
experience remarkable economic growth. At the political, economic and social, the country adopted, in 2010, a new Constitution that ensures political and economic stability, based on 
respect for individual freedom and collective citize ns as well as the promotion of free economic and 
entrepreneurship and economy market based on the principles and values of healthy competition, 
morality and ethics. 
2.5.  During the preparation of its trade policy review, thirteen Members addressed more than a 
hundred and forty written questions to the Governme nt of Angola, we appreciate the interest in 
particular to know the current situation of my country and thus take this opportunity to inform that the Government of Angola has already formulated their writing. 
2.6.  The worldwide trading activity has shown a sl owdown, justified by the volume of the drop in 
exports of goods and services from 3.6% in 2013 to 3.3% in 2014, despite the slight increase in exports in developed  economies (3.1% in 2013 to 3.3% in 2014) most notably the United States. 
2.7.  On the other hand, there was a slight increase in imports of 3.3% in 2013 to 3.4% in 2014, 
explained by the combination of import growth in advanced economies (2.1% in 2013 to 3.3% for 
2014) and weak demand for imported products in  emerging and developing economies (3.7% in 
2014). 
2.8.  Several factors contributed to the weakenin g of trade and production in 2014, the fall in 
commodity prices, the decline in imports in Latin America, the slowdown in exports in Asian markets, including the continuing impact of the recession in the Eurozone. 
2.9.  Overall, the poor performance of world trad e must be registered to trade in emerging and 
developing markets, which led to the maintenance of current account imbalances worldwide. 
2.10.  When it comes to global inflation in 2014, low commodity prices, such as crude oil and its 
derivatives, as well as food contributed to the recent decline of the change in the price index, 
positioning itself at 3.2 % for emerging economies, according to IMF data. In advanced economies, inflation is below expectations over the long term (1%), settling at 0.7%. 
2.11.  During 2014, the relevant inflation measures had an impact on the decrease of this 
indicator, having a core inflation advanced economies prowling rates of less than 0.7% against the 1.3% recorded in 2013 despite continued declines in the rate unemployment. 
2.12.  Compared to 2013, inflation in the euro zone has fallen, from 1.3% to 0.9% in 2014, 
causing global inflation and core inflation (excluding unprocessed food and energy) fell below 1%, 
positioning itself at 0.2% at the end of 2014 while  emerging and developing economies have seen 
their inflation rate reduced from 4.5% in 2013 to 3.2% in 2014. 
2.13.  The economies of sub-Saharan Africa (whe re Angola is positioned) inflation rate rose 
slightly, justified by the reduction of investment in infrastructure and its consequence on agricultural production leading to shortages of commodities. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  2.14.  In regard to interest rates, according to  the IMF, deposit reference rates (London Interbank 
Offered Rate - LIBOR), six months in U.S. dollars were fixed at 0.3% in 2014. In addition, according to BBA (British Banker's Association), interest rates showed a stable behaviour, and in the euro area and Japan, the rates were fixed close to zero (0.2% on average). 
National Economic Context 
2.15.  In 2014, the national economy was marked by slowing growth at around 2%, compared to 
growth of 6.8% of global GDP registered in 2013.  This weaker performance is a result of poor 
performance that marked the oil sector, with the fall of production level of crude oil of 
626.3 million barrels per day in 2013 to 610.2 million barrels per day in 2014, down to 2.6%, compounded by the oil price fall by about 50% registered in the second half of the year. 
2.16.  On the other hand, the non-oil GDP slowed  down by about 2.7%, going from 10.9% of GDP 
in 2013 to 8.2% in 2014, due to the observed decrea se in the agricultural sector from 42.3% of 
GDP in in 2013 to 11.9% of GDP in 2014 by the fall  in the 34.4% of GDP energy sector in 2013 to 
17.3% in 2014 and the slight decrease registered in the construction sector which increased from 
8.1% of GDP in 2013 to 8% in 2014. 
2.17.  Between 2010 and 2013, the Angolan econom y has increased considerably, with the GDP 
growth supported by positive fiscal balances, exchan ge rate stability and moderate inflation and in 
declining direction, this resulting from the coordinated management of fiscal, monetary and 
exchange rate policies. 
2.18.  In the four years leading up to 2014, Angola met macroeconomic stability phase, with the 
average growth rate of around 4.8% of GDP, low inflation and decreasing rate and exchange rate 
stability, interrupted by the sharp drop in oil prices associated with a slowdown in domestic 
production of oil, adversely affecting the performance of non-oil sector, the main source of Government Budget. 
2.19.  According to the 2014 Government Budget justification report, based on economic and 
social goals of the National Development Plan 2013-2017, the Government Budget 2014 was prepared with the forecast of real growth of  gross domestic product (GDP mp) of 8.8%, an 
increase of 2% compared to 2013 (6.8%). However, preliminary data indicates closing of the fiscal 
year 2014 to less growth than 4.8%. 
Real Sector 2.20.  According to the latest data of 2014, the non-oil sector increased by 8.2%, while the oil 
marked a decrease of 2.6%. In this perspective, it is estimated that the nominal GDP has reached 
AOA 12.462,3 billion. 
2.21.  The good performance of non-oil sector was heavily influenced by the importance of the 
fisheries (19.1%), energy (17.3%) and agriculture (11.9%). Preliminary data points out a non-oil 
nominal GDP of AOA 8,158 billion, i.e. an increase of 11% compared to 2013. 
2.22.  In the year 2014, the oil sector was strongly affected by the decrease in physical production 
levels of crude oil, at about 2.7%, changing from 626.3% million bbl. to 610.2 million bbl., 
aggravated by price drop early in the second ha lf of 2014, at which point it reaches its highest 
point of the year (US$115/barrel) until settling at around US$55.81 in December. During this period, the oil nominal GDP decreased about 11.9% from AOA 4,817.8 billion in 2013 to 
AOA 4,304.3 billion in 2014. 
2.23.  The diversification of the economic structur e, expected to be achieved, will result on the 
gradual decrease in importance of the oil sector, the increase of the non-oil tax revenues, and the 
growth of non-oil exports through programmes aimed at stimulating domestic production, creating 
of priority clusters, as well as the creation of a strong national business community, particularly in terms of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises that generate employment and wealth to 
Angolans. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  2.24.  In this context, the Government has made investments focusing on the rehabilitation and 
development of infrastructure and the creation of a favourable macroeconomic environment for private investment in non-oil sector, and the impl ementation of a support to the development of 
policy across sectors the national economy. 
2.25.  Among the measures taken to promote entrepreneurship and private investment stand out 
the New Private Investment Law (Law No. 14/15 of 11 August), the Law on Public-Private 
Partnerships (Law No. 2/11 of 14 January), the Regulation of Law 30/11 of 13 September on the 
Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, th e Small Business Support Program (PROAPEN), and 
the implementation of the Single Window Entrepreneurship (BUE). 
2.26.  In this regard, the Government has created programmes to facilitate the access of the 
productive sectors of the country to finance the costs to enable the economic viability of 
investments through the creation of an interest relief fund for micro-, small- and medium-sized 
enterprises, a fund guarantees to credit, and a ve nture capital fund for competitive projects at an 
early stage as well as the institutionalization of a credit insurance agency oriented management 
and control of credit risk in domestic and foreign markets. 
2.27.  In the medium and long term, an import ant element for the sustainability and ensuring 
strong money supply to local banks lies on the success of the diversification process of the national 
economy and the relationship between Angola and abroad within the competitive insertion of its 
economy in the international context since Angola almost only exports crude oil, which puts at risk the country's international reserves taking into account the volatility of the price of crude oil in the international market. 
2.28.  The supply of foreign currency to commercial banks is guaranteed by the central bank, the 
main provider of foreign exchange market and regularly conducts foreign currency sale, to meet the needs of economic agents. However, due to th e reduction in country foreign exchange assets, 
as a result of the oil price fall, the capacity to timely respond to all demand, a situation which has 
contributed to some operations, have extended their time of execution. 
2.29.  Aware of this situation, the Central Bank has made adjustments on the foreign exchange 
market to gauge the supply and demand. 
2.30.  The increase of the country's foreign assets is another of the initiatives that the Government 
is taking over with emphasis on the use of other sources of external financing. 
External Sector 
2.31.  The balance of payments information reflects the set of real and financial transactions 
carried out by Angola with the rest of the world during the year 2014. 
2.32.  In 2014, the reduction in exports of Angolan branches linked to the fall in oil production and 
reduction in the average price per barrel impacted negatively to the external position of the 
Angolan economy. Thus, the overall balance of pa yments showed a deficit, and this trend was 
driven mainly by the weak performance of the current account. 
2.33.  On the other hand, in 2014, imports of goods registered a growth in absolute terms to 
US$1,744 million, corresponding to an increase of 6%, mainly motor vehicles and tractors (US$784 million), boilers, machines, appliances and mechanical instruments (US$677 million), 
imports made for specific purposes (US$568 million), as well as cast–iron, iron or steel 
(US$383 million). 
2.34.  Still, imports of some products decreased, with greater impact for fuels which fell by 
US$515 million. Products with strength weight in imports were mostly used in the oil, energy and 
water, as well as in construction. 
2.35.  Imports of food products continue to have a growing picture in terms of volume, depending 
on demand, even in the face of low domestic production capacity of the main consumer goods. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  2.36.  As a result, the cost of imports in food prices stood at US$4.026 million in 2014, an increase 
of 5% compared to the year 2013, where it stood at US$3.845 million. 
2.37.  Still regarding imports, it is important to mention that Portugal continues to be the main 
country from which comes the majority of Angolan imports. For the year 2014, there was an 
import value fixed at US$4.3321 million although with a slight decrease of 0.3% compared to last 
year, where there was a value in Portugal  with imports valued at US$4.333 million. 
2.38.  The high volume of imports in light of the Government of Angola financial capacities, and 
the National Development Plan 2013-2017 that guides the adoption of safeguards measures for 
products whose production capacity of the country covered over 60% of domestic consumption were the base of an Executive Decree defining standards to be observed in the process of import of goods. However, besides its adoption, it has no t been implemented due to the need of bringing 
it into line with WTO rules on this matter. For this purpose, Angola has requested this year, 
technical assistance to the WTO. 
Foreign Direct Investment 
2.39.  In this context, the Angolan Agency for Investment and Export Promotion (APIEX) was 
recently created, whose mission is to promote the potentiality, the legal framework, the business environment as well as the investment opportunities in the country. 
2.40.  The APIEX will be in charge of promotin g and attracting investment as well as exports 
promotion. The performance of private investment will be at sectorial level. Each Ministerial Department will be in charge to review and approve investments of its area of activity. 
2.41.  In order to facilitate the conditions of access of investors and stimulate private investment, 
it has been created the Law on Public-Private Partnerships and the new Private Investment Law. 
And in this context, the Government has created several programmes designed to foster the emergence of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, among which we highlight the Angola 
Invest Program, the Entrepreneurship Promotion Pr ogram, the Credit Access Facilitation Program, 
the Support Program for Emerging Economic Activities, the Conversion of Informal Economy Program, and the Support Program to large companies and their integration into Enterprise 
Clusters. 
2.42.  In terms of foreign direct investment in Angola, there was an increase by about 8% 
corresponding to US$15.538 million in the year 2014, given that for the year 2013 the country registered a value of US$14.345 million, the ye ar 2014 value is divided into US$12.026 million 
related to capital inflows and US$3.512 million related to reinvested earnings. 
2.43.  This flow, which was essentially no-financial  private, relates to the execution of projects 
mainly linked to the oil sector. 
2.44.  The outflow of capital, both by the An golan investment abroad as the foreign direct 
investment recovery from Angola, stood at US$20.318 million, a decrease of 11% compared to the year 2013, where the country had a flow of US$27.510 million. 
2.45.  As far as the new Private Investment Law (Law No. 14/15 of 11 August) is concerned, there 
is a distinction in terms of equal treatment. One big difference that stands out immediately is the fact that foreign investors are not conditioned to a lump sum to invest in Angola. However, the new Law provides tax incentives for private investments starting at US$1 million, while domestic 
investors to take advantage of these incentives will have to invest the amount equal to or greater 
than KZ 50.000 million (Article 2 of the new Private Investment Law). 
2.46.  Another difference relates to the establishment by the new Private Investment Law of 
binding partnerships between foreigners and nationals for certain business sectors (electricity and 
water; hotels and tourism, transport and logistics, construction, telecommunications and information technology and media) where nationals must hold at least 35% of capital and effective 
participation in management (Article 9 of the new Law of Investment Promotion). WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  2.47.  The new Private Investment Law does not change the provisions on the profits’ repatriation. 
The profits and dividends transfer or repatriation  abroad is a right granted to foreign investors 
under the combined provisions of Article 22 of Law No. 14/15 of 11 August - the Private Investment Law and Articles 239 and 326 of Law No . 1/04, of 13 February - the Companies Act, 
which is subject to the prior authorization of the National Bank of Angola, in accordance with 
Article 2 of the Notice No. 04/2003 of 7 February. 
2.48.  Article 22 of the Private Investment Law refers  to transfer of profits and dividends clarifying 
that after implementing the project of private investment and on proof of their execution is 
guaranteed the investor the right to transfer abroad: 
a) The dividends or distributed profits; 
b) The proceeds of liquidation of its investments including capital gains, after payment of taxes 
due; 
c) Claims product; and 
d) Royalties or other compensation income from indirect investments associated with the 
transfer of technology. 
Private Direct Investment in the country 2.49.  In 2014, the National Private Investment Agency (ANIP) approved an investment portfolio in 
the amount of US$9.209 million, a total of 206 proj ects, in which 185 were directly approved by 
ANIP, since its values was lower than US$10 m illion, and 21 by the President given that the 
amount of those project reached US$10 million. The projects approved are mainly from Europe, 
Africa, America and Asia. 
2.50.  As some Member wish to know the existing criteria in Angola's access to land by foreign 
investors, we would like to inform that according to the Constitution of my country, the land is state-owned, co-existing with land that is originally recognized as in the case of private property. 
The State may transfer or grant the property of inte grated land in their private domain (Article 5 of 
the Land Law No. 9/04 of 9 November). 
2.51.  According to Article 39 of the mentioned Law, natural persons, nationals or foreigners, or 
legal entities with primary or actual headquarters in Angola or abroad, may acquire rural land or 
integrated urban in the state domain, through the establishment by State of surface rights for a period not exceeding sixty years, renewable for successive periods under the law (Article 55 paragraph 1, point d) and 2 of that article). 
2.52.  Rural and urban land on which the State is entitled to surface intended to several purposes, 
among which, farm, livestock, forestry, mining, industrial, commercial, and housing (Article 3). 
2.53.  The general bases of the legal framework defined in the Land Law (Law No. 9/04 of 
9 November) are contained in the Land Concession General Regulation approved by Decree 
No. 58/07 of 13 July of the Council of Ministers. 
2.54.  There is no other specific mechanism for Angolan investors. (Decree together, Article 34 and 
42 of the Land Law). After obtaining the foreign investor status for the purpose of obtaining land 
rights, foreign investors and national investors enjoy the same rights and duties. 
2.55.  There is no special procedure for investment in agricultural land by foreigners. Under the 
Private Investment Law No. 14/15, a foreign investor presents the proposal to the Ministry of 
Agriculture. However, the new Private Investment Law provides in Article 11th, the Chief of 
Government can define a special treatment for agriculture, livestock, forestry and fisheries and their agro-industries and related. 
2.56.  Some Members asked for clarification on the design of work visas in Angola and, in this 
regard, we inform you that the deadlines for their authorization take place over a period of 30 days. The processing time depends solely on the presentation of the required documents. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  2.57.  The rule is that it must be used within 60 days after its issuance and it is valid for 
12 months of stay in Angola, being extendable for two successive equal periods and enables the applicant to multiple entries in Angola and only make occupation for which the visa is issued and only for the company that requests it. It does not allow the holder to establish residence in Angola. 
The contracting company shall inform the competent authority of any change in contract length, 
for law enforcement purposes. Family members must apply for a Temporary Stay Visa. 
Fiscal and Monetary Policy 
2.58.  The ongoing tax reform in the country allo wed the approval of the tax regulation package, 
which comprises: (i) the General Tax Code; (ii) the Code of Fiscal Executions; (iii) the Tax Procedure Code; (iv) Income Labour Tax Code; (v) the Industrial Tax Code; Tax Code on Capital Application; the Stamp Tax Code; and (vi) Regulation of Consumption Tax. It also provides for the 
implementation of the Integrated Tax Manageme nt and the reformulation of the Tax Justice 
System. 
2.59.  The Government has implemented fiscal po licy, supported by a Supervisory Board Medium 
Term (MTFF), aligned with the National Development Program (NDP) from 2013 to 2017. This 
ongoing implementation of the new Customs Tari ff, approved since January 2013, provides the 
application of rates according to WTO rules (Harmonized System) and bound tariffs for Angola. The 
new Customs Tariff should be reviewed, in principle, in the year 2017. 
2.60.  In 2014, the downward trend in inflation remained throughout the first half year having 
reached 6.89% in June to its lowest point of the year. In the second half, the inflation rate recorded an upward trend, until settlin g at 7.48% at the end of the period. 
2.61.  However, it was possible to comply with quite comfort the inflation target foreseen in the 
State Budget 2014 was found an accumulated variation in the price index of consumer 7.5%. Taking into account the fact that Angola is heavily dependent on imports of products for public 
consumption country, it is crucial to analyse the risk of importing inflation from the perspective of 
the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the main trading partners of Angola. 
2.62.  For exchange rate in 2014, there was a de preciation in the national currency against the 
U.S. dollar. From December 2013 to December 2014, the exchange rate AOA/USD in the primary 
market on average recorded a depreciation of 2.1% of the national currency against the U.S. dollar. 
2.63.  However, there is currently looking for foreign currency (foreign exchange), seen in a 
context of slowdown in socio-economic activity in  Angola, registered in 2014, led to pressures on 
the exchange rate, mainly in the informal market rate, compounded the shortage in supply of foreign currency. 
2.64.  The supply of foreign currency to commercial banks is guaranteed by the central bank, the 
main provider of foreign exchange market and which regularly conducts foreign currency sale sessions to meet the needs of economic agents. However, due to the reduction in foreign 
exchange assets of the country due to the oil price fall, declined to timely service capacity for all 
operations, a situation which has contributed to so me operations have extended their lead times. 
2.65.  Aware of this situation, the Central Ba nk has made adjustments imposed on the foreign 
exchange market to gauge supply and demand. The increase of the country's foreign assets is 
another of the initiatives that the Government is taking. I finish with emphasis on the use of other 
sources of external financing. 
2.66.  The National Payments System (NPS) in Angola has undergone substantial modernization 
since its approval in 2000. Several milestones have been achieved since the beginning of the 
modernization process, the following highlighting: 
 NPS - Framework and Implementation Strategy was approved (2000); 
 Law of Angola Payment System, Law No. 05/05 of 29 July promulgated (2005); WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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   Launch of the RTGS, subsystem Payments Real Time (SPTR) (2005); 
 Subsystem Launch Credit Transfer (STC) (2012); 
 Launch of Electronic Check Clearing Subsystem (SCC) (2015); 
2.67.  The legal framework allows the creation of new financial services based on the powers of 
the Central Bank. 
2.68.  The regulation of the Angolan Financial System already applies some of the prudential 
guidelines set out in Basel II and Basel III. However, they are not being implemented all guidelines 
of Basel II and Basel III due to the characteristi cs, complexity and initial development of the 
Angolan market. 
2.69.  Regulators of the Angolan Financial System  and, consequently, the Angolan banking system 
are aware of these issues and, in particular, the Na tional Bank of Angola has been reflecting these 
concerns in their development and action plans. 
2.70.  Thus, the National Bank of Angola has a well-structured plan in relation to their regulatory 
developments or the prudential point of view an d conduct, demonstrating ample capacity to meet 
the objectives set for the market. 
2.71.  In this regard, the Angolan banking system is converging on the practices of Basel and is 
making significant efforts to establish legal instruments within this framework in order to reduce 
the aforementioned structural deficiencies, in particular, among others, on the following relevant 
topics which will soon be published: 
 Solvency ratio, regulatory and capital; 
 Risk governance; 
 Liquidity requirements; 
 Stress tests; 
 IFRS/IAS; 
 Limitation of large exposures; and 
 Provisions. 
2.72.  Moreover, in recent years, BNA has published several regulations with demanding 
application such as regulations on corporate governance, internal control, consolidated supervision 
and AML/CFT, which are being implemented by financial institutions. 
2.73.  In conclusion, the regulation of the Angolan Banking Sector has been undergoing continuous 
improvement in order to alleviate its remaining deficiencies and strengthen stability and 
confidence in the financial system. 
2.74.  Angola has been working on the implementa tion of these policies and measures relating to 
financial services: 
 Support the creation of specialized institutions turned to the clearing, settlement and 
custody of securities; 
 The reform of the banking systems and national insurance; 
 Develop and expand access to micro-credit; and WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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   Securities market development with the creation  of the Securities and Derivatives Exchange 
Commission and the Stock Exchange Angola ("the Securities Commission", "Angola Stock Exchange and Derivatives" - BODIVA). 
External Trade 
2.75.  The SADC Trade Protocol was adopted in 1996 and entered into force on 25 January 2000. 
The Republic of Angola signed the SADC Protocol on Trade in 2002, ratified it in February 2003 through the Resolution of the National Assembly No. 5/03 of 25 February, and has deposited its 
instrument of ratification to the Executive Secretary of SADC. In the same year, Angola has also 
signed the 2007 amendments and the 2008 SADC Protoc ol on Trade clarifying certain aspects of 
rules of origin and safeguard measures, incorporat ing new annexes on the resolution of disputes 
between Member States and the sugar trade. 
2.76.  This is why we created a technical workin g group to negotiate the implementation of the 
SADC Protocol on trade that produced a road ma p for implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area 
by 2017. 
2.77.  Regarding the SADC Protocol on Trade in Services adopted in 2012, the Republic of Angola 
signed the 18 August 2015 at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC in Gaborone, Republic of Botswana. 
2.78.  With the European Union, Angola has been preparing the general basis for the signing of the 
Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). In th is context, it made up a Memorandum of 
Understanding called "The Joint forward Angola-European Union" which sets guidelines in various fields among them the question of economic grow th and sustainable development as an important 
step in the context of the signature of these instruments. 
2.79.  The European Union has supported the National Development through the European 
Development Fund Plan (EDF) in key areas such as sustainable agriculture and vocational training. 
Both parties agreed to maintain an ongoing dialogue of high level with the next meeting scheduled 
later this year in Luanda (Angola). 
2.80.  Regarding the preservation of heritage and material, there is an ongoing process of 
accession by the Government of Angola to the Conv ention of Rome on the protection of the rights 
of performers, producers of phonograms and broa dcasting organizations and the Berne Convention 
concerning the protection of literary and artistic works. It is expected that the accession will take effect in 2016. 
2.81.  Angola, who is a Member of the WTO since 23 November 1996, reaffirms its commitment to 
the Multilateral Trade System and to the trade liber alization, which deems beneficial to the growth, 
development and well-being of the population. Howe ver, it underlines the urgent and imperative 
that these benefits are shared equitably among all countries of the world. 
2.82.  We believe that the WTO can play an import ant role, not only in the reputation of the trade 
liberalization process in order to make it more organized, diversified and flexible, but also in 
implementing a framework based on the rules of world trade. 
2.83.  It was against this background that Angola joined the WTO and actively supported the 
launch of the multilateral trade negotiations round at the fourth WTO Ministerial Conference held in Doha (Qatar) in November 2001. 
2.84.  Angola underlines the importance of special and differential treatment as a fundamental 
component of the negotiations, which reflects th e recognition of the diversity of WTO Members, 
the asymmetry of the economic importance of ea ch Member and the need to make the economic 
benefits of the trading system are well distributed among all Members. 
2.85.  In this respect, the provisions on special and differential treatment should be reviewed in 
order to strengthen them and make them more effective in accordance with the mandate of the 
Doha Ministerial Conference of 2001. The rules should  be improved to ensure that flexibility in the 
WTO does not become invalid due to the obligations imposed by other organizations. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  2.86.  Angola calls upon all Members to engage more, showing flexibility where it is possible, to 
obtain a satisfactory outcome for all in the next Ministerial Conference scheduled in December 2015 in Nairobi (Kenya).  Thank you for your attention. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT 
3.1.  It is an honour to be the discussant for Ango la’s second Trade Policy Review. Let me take this 
opportunity at the outset to warmly welcome th e very high-level Angolan delegation led by 
Minister de Matos to the meeting. Let me also th ank you, Chair, and the Minister for your opening 
statements that have already set the tone for our meeting. 
3.2.  In my previous position at the Department  of Trade and Industry in South Africa, I had the 
privilege to work with many colleagues in the An golan Government over many years in a range of 
bilateral and regional engagements, as well as in the economic partnership negotiations with the 
European Union over ten years. This offered me some insights into Angola’s trade policy, its broader economic policy and the range of challeng es with which Angola continues to grapple.  
3.3.  Of course, like all of us, I benefitted from  the reports prepared for this meeting by the 
Angolan Government and the WTO Secretariat. Clearl y, there is a great deal of important detail in 
both reports and I thought to complement these with an intervention structured as follows: first, it would be useful to identify areas of economic progress in Angola; second, to highlight the main 
challenges and opportunities; third, to offer some perspectives on Angola’s Trade Policy Regime; 
and, finally, to note some issues that appear to require more attention by the Angolan authorities. I think a lot of what I am going to say has been touched on already on one way or another by the 
previous speakers. 
3.4.  It is striking to recall that Angola emerged from around half a century of conflict only 
13 years ago, it is a short period. The liberation struggle was followed by decades of internal conflict that destroyed infrastructure and devastated the economy and institutions of governance. 
This difficult history continues to weigh heavily on present circumstances, and should be kept in 
mind by all of us throughout this review process. 
3.5.  Against this background, the significant progress that Angola has made in many areas over 
the last 13 years is remarkable and commendable. Both reports observe the extent to which the 
Angolan authorities have managed to stabilize the macroeconomy:  
 Inflation has been reduced from an average of 76% between 2001 and 2005 to 7.3% in 
2014;  
 After a devaluation of 35% between 2001 and 2006, the currency has been relatively stable, 
recording an average depreciation of 4.77% between 2008 and 2014. This stability has been 
achieved partly through the accumulation and consolidation of international reserves;  
 The budget that has been in surplus since 2010, turned to a manageable deficit of 4.8% in 
2014; and  
 Public debt has been maintained at a sustainable rate of 36% of GDP.  
3.6.  Reform is underway to strengthen the tax system. The authorities are also working to 
strengthen systems of public financial management to ensure that budget commitments will continue to be met even in the face of the dramatic fall in oil prices, and its knock-on impact on 
revenues.  
3.7.  Economic growth from 2002 until 2007 was spec tacular, reaching a peak of 22.6% in 2007 
and laying a basis for the authorities to initiate a range of programmes for wider reform and modernisation of the economy. More recently, GD P growth has moderated over the current review 
period to an average of 5.6% but the steady growth of key services sectors including finance, 
banking, construction, retail, transport and communication constitute important developments in the economy. The services sectors now account for 22% of GDP and provide 39% of all jobs. 
Angola’s financial sector is amongst the strongest in sub-Saharan Africa, with banking and 
insurance continuing to demonstrate good growth. Manufacturing too shows signs of steady expansion. 
3.8.  There are also positive developments in respect of foreign direct investment. In 2014, Angola 
was the second highest recipient of FDI in Africa. The Secretariat report observes that investment WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  in agri-business, in particular, is expanding vigorously. To encourage FDI into sectors other than 
oil and gas, the Secretariat report suggests more attention will be needed to improve the ease of doing business in Angola, and improving the business climate is clearly part of the Angolan Government’s work in future, most notably in respect of its infrastructure development 
programme.  
3.9.  It is also noteworthy that the authorit ies have opened up the possibility for greater 
participation of foreign investors, including through public-private partnerships, in mining and 
other sectors to diversify the economy. Reductions  in the time to set up enterprises, many new 
trade facilitation measures, the introduction of a new investment law, the establishment of special economic and industrial zones all signal efforts in this direction.  
3.10.  One of the interesting features of the investment regime, as observed in the Secretariat 
report, is the range of tax incentives and other advantages granted to foreign investors alongside 
important “developmental” requirements such as training and employment of Angolan nationals, establishing linkages to domestic producers, joint ventures and investment in social projects. The 
latter are important measures that aim to ensure the benefits of new investment are shared more 
broadly across Angolan society, as a cont ribution to more inclusive growth.  
3.11.  No doubt, enormous challenges remain. While Angola has made significant progress by 
almost halving its poverty rate since 2001, 37% of the population still remain poor, and despite 
significant and sustained economic growth, unemployment remains at a high of 25%. Again, while improvements have been registered, Angola ranks low on the UN’s Human Development Index. 
3.12.  A point that comes up repeatedly in the Secretariat report is the constraint to Angola’s 
economic diversification and development potential that arises from the infrastructure deficit. It is 
also clear that this challenge is fully recognized, and in its report, the Government outlines in some detail the attention being paid to build and upgrade infrastructure in energy, water, urban 
development, transport, health and education, amongst others. 
3.13.  Oil production and export have been the foundation of the Angolan economy for decades. 
The Secretariat report points out that in 2013, o il accounted for 47% of GDP, 96% of exports and 
almost 75% of government revenue. The revenue fr om oil exports has driven the growth of per 
capita income in Angola from less than US$1000 in 2001 to US$5706 in 2012. Oil revenues have financed the Government’s efforts to upgrade infrastructure, promote economic diversification and improve on its human development indicators. 
3.14.  The 2008 global economic crisis, commodity price volatility and the recent dramatic decline 
in oil prices has undoubtedly had a major impact on Angola’s economic growth and revenue prospects. However, these developments, if anything, should only reinforce Angola’s commitment 
to economic diversification and more inclusive, sustainable economic development. This imperative 
is repeated many times in both the Secretariat and the Angolan Government reports.  
3.15.  Both reports also reaffirm what we already know: Angola has immense economic potential. 
The Secretariat observes significant potential in agriculture, fisheries, mining and energy (other 
than oil). With investment in infrastructure and with appropriate, effective and well-targeted government support, each of these sectors can provide new sources for growth and development in Angola in the future.  
3.16.  Let me now turn to the trade regime in Angola. The Secretariat report observes that the 
share of trade in Angola’s GDP has fallen from ov er 100% before the global crisis to 77% in 2014. 
The decline in the share of trade in GDP alongsid e significant growth in nominal trade over the 
review period underscores that sources of growth in the Angolan economy are diversifying. Exports 
grew from US$41.7 billion in 2007 to US$71.6 billion in 2013, while the share of fuels in total exports increased from 94.1% to 96.1% over th e same period. Angola’s imports grew from 
US$12.7 billion to US$22.4 billion between 2007 an d 2013, with a noticeable reduction in the 
import shares of transport equipment, non-electrical machinery, but significant growth in the import of food products.   
3.17.  The Secretariat report observes that since 200 5, one third of all tariff lines in Angola have 
been raised, increasing the simple overall average tariff rate from 7.4% to 10% in 2014. One WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  should also note that increased protection has also been evident across the world in the wake of 
the global economic downturn. It is also significant to note that the Angolan authorities grant tariff concessions under its “investment promotion” regime that effectively grants duty-free access to 37.9% of all tariff lines. The report shows eviden ce of “mixed escalation” in the tariff structure 
where in average duties on raw materials are hi gher than those on semi-finished and finished 
products.  
3.18.  These statistics confirm that aside from oil, the Angolan economy continues to exhibit 
relatively low levels of domestic production, a high and growing import bill for a wide range of 
products, including in products where Angola should have a comparative advantage such as, for example, food production.  
3.19.  A supportive trade and tariff regime can assist in redressing this situation. In general, 
economic diversification requires deliberate and sustained policy actions that nurture industrial and 
agricultural value added production. This would involve identifying and targeting precisely those activities that the Government seeks to advance,  and it requires the deployment of public and 
private resources to support innovation, entrepreneurship as well as the judicious use of tariffs and 
other forms of protection.  
3.20.  A judicious use of tariffs should not mean permanent protection to uncompetitive industries, 
but it should mean creating the space and time to allow such industries to develop, and to 
restructure in the face of global competition. It also means there should be no a priori or simplistic approach to tariff setting or adopting a low or high tariff policy. Instead, what may be required is a “strategic”, properly sequenced and evidenced-based approach to tariff setting that, while 
respecting WTO commitments, supports diversificatio n in ways that are more labour absorbing.  
3.21.  The same set of objectives would set the parameters for external trade arrangements. In 
general, Angola already has good access to international markets through various preference 
schemes and the challenge appears not to be one of access to markets but, rather, as we have 
said, building the capacity to produce a wider range of goods for export. As progress is made in this regard, Angola may see value in deepening its participation in regional trade arrangements, as 
a platform for future export growth, for enhancing its competitiveness and also to participate in 
the establishment and expansion of re gional industrial value chains.  
3.22.  Let me now turn to what appear to be some  urgent matters that have been identified both 
in the Secretariat report and in the questions pose d by Members in advance of this meeting. These 
require attention since they touch on Angola’s existing WTO commitments.  
3.23.  Questions are raised in regard to the report’s finding that there are 31 lines in the Angolan 
tariff book in which applied rates exceed bindings. Questions are also raised in respect of import 
prohibitions and restrictions, notably the recent decree introducing quotas on various agricultural 
products, although we understand the latter has not been implemented. Less pressing perhaps, but still important are questions being raised in respect of obligations related to notifications on 
state trading enterprises, and the customs valuation and subsidies agreements. Members have 
also expressed an interest in Angola’s standard setting mechanisms and their coordination as regards SPS and TBT matters. Some of the questions have already been addressed and I am certain the Angolan delegation will address all the questions posed by Members in the course of 
the TPR. 
3.24.  In conclusion, I think it would be fair to say that given Angola’s difficult past, the country 
has made commendable strides over the last 13 years, and during the period under review, but 
continues to face wide-ranging developmental challenges. At the same time, it seems clear that 
Angola’s huge untapped economic potential will only be realized by a sustained focus and through meaningful progress on its economic diversification strategy as set out in its National Development 
Plan. 
3.25.  I will end here by wishing Angola a successful second Trade Policy Review. Thank You. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
CANADA 4.1.  Canada recognizes both the great potentia l and the many challenges, including the global 
downturn in commodity prices that Angola faces in  rebuilding the country to create prosperity for 
all of its citizens. After many years of conflict, we support the Government of Angola’s objectives 
of diversifying its economy. We welcome the positive steps already taken to invest in 
infrastructure and to develop the agriculture and fisheries industries, as reflected in the 2013-2017 
National Development Plan and the Government’s long term strategic plan Vision 2025. Rebuilding 
infrastructure is key to enabling both domestic and foreign business and investor success. In particular, the Angolan economy needs to continue to build transportation infrastructure throughout the country – to efficiently move pe ople, resources and products to where they are 
needed and to provide energy infrastructure to power both Angola’s economy and its communities.  
4.2.  Permit me to add that, as Angola’s National Development Plan notes, educating the 
workforce and making improvements in social infrastructure so that citizens can participate fully in 
a modern economy is also essential for implementing and sustaining robust investments in large 
and complex projects. A healthy and skilled local labour force ensures that the benefits of the growing economy are widely and equitably shared, an d provides the additional benefit that it is a 
factor in attracting and maintaining foreign investment. Canada and Angola are linked in this 
regard, thanks to the Angolan professionals and students who come to Canada to obtain degrees in sectors such as oil and gas. We are proud of ou r strengths in this sector and in related skills 
development. 
4.3.  However, as our discussant highlighted and as reflected in the questions raised by many 
Members, Angola could improve its business climate and could make better use of trade policy in support of its economic agenda. I need not repeat the detailed inventory of measures that call for 
reform. Instead, I would suggest that while Angola has done relatively well at attracting foreign 
investment, and despite the recent reforms outlined by the Minister this morning, opaque regulatory processes and remaining discrimination in tariff and investment concessions continue to 
be a drag on the country’s economy. This is evidenced by its poor results in the World Bank’s 
“doing business” indicators. Transparency, predicta bility and adherence to international standards 
would help to increase investment and investor confidence. 
4.4.  As an LDC, Angola benefits from duty-free-quota-free market access in Canada and other 
markets. Ratifying and implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement would support Angola’s 
diversification efforts by helping its exporters take advantage of this market access and get their p r o d u c t s  t o  m a r k e t  m o r e  e f f i c i e n t l y .  A n g o l a  s h o u l d  a l s o  c o n s i d e r  a l t e r n a t i v e s  t o  i t s  
import-substitution policy. For example, Canada ha s opted to support its manufacturing sector by 
autonomously eliminating tariffs on manufacturing inputs – more than 1,800 tariff lines, which makes domestic manufacturing of value- added products more competitive.  
4.5.  I congratulate Angola on the work it has put into its trade policy review. Canada looks 
forward to seeing Angola’s trade continue to diversify with a view to building a prosperous country for its citizens. Canada stands by Angola to help realize its goal of sustainable and inclusive economic growth and we hope to continue to  grow our relationship far into the future. 
REPUBLIC
 OF KOREA 
4.6.  I am pleased to note that Korea and Angola have expanded their trade relations over the 
years, with bilateral trade reaching US$1.9 billion in 2014. Korea was the fifth largest exporting 
country to Angola in 2013, accounting for 5.5% of Angola's total imports. Korea indeed hopes that 
its economic partnership with Angola will continue to grow and develop in the future. 
4.7.  Turning to Angola's economic trends, I wish to note that the Angolan economy is showing 
signs of recovery after its growth rate declined to  2.4% in 2009. Based on this economic upturn, in 
2012, Angola's GDP growth stood at 5.2% and per capita GDP is estimated at US$5,700, up from US$1,000 in 2001. Given the global economic difficulties, these achievements are indeed impressive. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.8.  Despite this progress, Korea would like to provide a few brief comments on Angola's trade 
policies and practices where we find there is room for improvement. 
4.9.  First, we would put forward that Angola needs to reduce its high dependency on the oil 
industry. While we recognize the fact that Angola has made efforts towards diversification, oil 
products still account for 40% of GDP and over 95% of export earnings. Considering its price 
fluctuation risk and the limited nature of the oil industry, a further push for its economic diversification seems very much needed. 
4.10.  Second, we would like to touch on the lingering concerns over the complexity of the Angolan 
visa issuance system and frequent delays in issuing visas. In particular, it takes years for foreign investors to obtain labour visas, which makes it difficult for them to run long term businesses in Angola. In this regard, we encourage the Angolan Government to reform its visa issuance system 
and expedite related proceedings in such a way that will further enhance the predictability for 
businesses and promote investment. 
4.11.  Third, we have heard from many businessmen in Angola, both local and foreign, that some 
restrictions on cross-border currency transfers are causing unnecessary damage to commercial, 
economic and financial interests. These include high levies on transfers, delayed processing and prohibition of transfers for foreign service providers without labour visas. We urge the Angolan 
Government to fully address issues related to restrictions on transfers in a way that is consistent 
with the WTO rules, which will eventually contribute to creating an investment-friendly environment to foreign investors. 
4.12.  Fourth, as pointed out in the Secretariat report, Angola has not notified the WTO of its 
state-trading enterprises according to Article 17 of  the GATT even though State involvement in the 
economy remains extensive particularly in the areas of oil, diamond and electricity. We would like to request Angola to notify its state enterprises to the WTO in order to enhance the transparency 
of its scheme. 
4.13.  It is our hope that Angola will continue to actively participate in strengthening the WTO 
multilateral trading system. We also hope that Angola will submit Category A commitments and 
acceptance of the instrument preferably by the MC-10. 
BRAZIL 4.14.  It is a matter of great satisfaction for Braz il to participate in the second TPR of Angola. Our 
two nations are intrinsically connected by history, heritage, language, a shared culture and bonds 
of friendship, and our cooperation encompasses a myriad of areas. A strategic partnership was 
launched in 2010 and translates into finding expression in a growing number of joint economic, investment and technical cooperation undertakings.  
4.15.  Brazil was the first member of the international community to recognize Angola’s 
independence, on 11 November 1975. This gesture – a landmark in the Brazilian foreign policy 
towards Portuguese-speaking African countries at that point in time – launched the cornerstone of 
a vibrant political relationship that already spans four decades and has gained momentum with the 
subsequent establishment of the South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone in 1987, and the creation of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries nine years later, in 1996. Since 2003, our countries exchanged not less than six bila teral presidential visits, with President José 
Eduardo dos Santos last visiting Brazil in July  2014, after hosting President Dilma Rousseff in 
October 2011.  
4.16.  Political, historical and cultural ties op ened the doors for an equally dynamic trade and 
economic partnership that explores complement arities and synergies among our two economies. 
Angola is the third trade partner of Brazil in Africa and, despite the pervasive international economic crisis that lingers since 2008, trade flows among our two countries doubled between the 
last TPR, in 2006, and today; it increased by almost 40% between 2009 and 2013. Investment 
flows look also promising, particularly in the areas of public works, agriculture and energy. More than 60 Brazilian corporations currently operate in Angola. A number of Angolan companies, such as TAAG and SONANGOL are also establishing ties and commercial presence in Brazil.  WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.17.  But we know that we can still do better: to enhance even further the prospects for our 
strong and mutually beneficial economic partnership. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira signed with his Angolan counterpart, Minister Georges Chikoti, during a 3-day visit to Luanda last April, a broad Agreement on Investment Facilitation and Cooperation and a Memorandum of 
Understanding for investment promotion in the fields of industry, energy, agriculture and services, 
both aimed at increasing and diversifying exis ting opportunities and improving the legal and 
regulatory frameworks for cooperation among pr ivate and public entities in common ventures. 
4.18.  Brazil-Angola cooperation goes of course  beyond that. Financing and credit lines are 
important to enable significant public works, such as the hydroelectric dams of Capanda and Laúca. Cooperation in education also figures hi gh on the agenda: currently, almost a thousand 
Angolan post-graduate students benefit from scholarships to pursue studies in engineering and 
other technology-related fields in Brazil, so that upon returning they can even better contribute to 
the modernization of the domestic industries and improve the foundations of the national technological infrastructure. Brazil also cooperates to “train the trainers” for environment and 
conservation initiatives, including in management of protected areas and of urban/industrial 
environmental impacts. Agriculture, of course, is another priority area for cooperation, and focuses on increasing productivity and diversifying production, with the help of the Brazilian state-of-the-
art agritech institutes and companies. 
4.19.  Brazil has been a major partner of Angola ’s growth. We stand ready to further enhance and 
build upon a partnership that has proved strong for so many years now. We acknowledge that Angola currently faces a big challenge to diversify its economy, like so many others of us 
developing countries, in face of declining international commodity prices. We praise the “Angola 
2025” initiative and its aim to promote modernization and sustainable development, in accordance with its three goals: “stability, growth and empowerment of Angolan citizens”.  
4.20.  Brazil submitted some questions to Angola regarding fields such as agriculture, investment, 
licensing, banking and macroeconomic policies. We appreciate the written replies already received, which will be forwarded to Brasília for examination and follow-up as appropriate. Let me conclude 
by wishing Angola a very successful Trade Policy Review exercise. 
AUSTRALIA 4.21.  Australia is pleased to participate in the second Trade Policy Review of Angola, in what is a 
significant year for Angola marking 40 years of independence. We offer our warmest 
congratulations in this regard. 
4.22.  Angola and Australia have a modest trading relationship, with two-way trade in goods and 
services of approximately AU$50 million in 2014. While we have some established commercial 
interests in Angola, there is potential for growth in our investment relationship off a low base as 
Angola seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil and, to a significantly lesser extent, diamonds. 
4.23.  Australia welcomes Angola’s commitment to pursue economic diversification as part of its 
National Development Plan 2013-17, in support of sustainable and inclusive development, 
economic growth and stability. Low global o il prices and resulting budget pressures have 
underlined the importance of more broad-based growth. Accordingly, we encourage Angola’s 
continued efforts to rehabilitate and/or establish the infrastructure necessary to unlock the 
potential of different sectors, including agriculture and mining. 
4.24.  Reducing barriers to both trade and investment are important aspects of the economic 
reform process and will improve Angola’s long-t erm competiveness and strengthen its economic 
growth. Australia believes from our own experience that the road to a stronger economy and 
increased prosperity for all lies in structural economic reforms and the ability to attract foreign investment.   
4.25.  Australia recognizes Angola’s efforts to improve conditions for doing business in Angola. We 
encourage Angola to continue with necessary reforms and improvements to make it easier for new investors to enter and operate in Angola, including with regard to increased transparency, improved permit and licensing processes and go vernance arrangements, and smoother visa and 
entry procedures. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.26.  Australia will follow implementation of Angola’s new Private Investment Law enacted on 
11 August 2015 with particular interest, along with Angola’s intention to open up new opportunities in the mining sector; an area where Australia has significant expertise.  
4.27.  We welcome Angola’s intention to pursue trade liberalization through ratification and 
implementation of the Southern African Develo pment Community (SADC) Trade Protocol in 2017. 
We also note that Angola was active during negotiations on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and we encourage it to ratify and fully implement its commitments in this regard. It is important 
for us collectively to ensure the agreed outcomes  of the 9th Ministerial Conference in Bali are 
implemented. 
4.28.  Australia has also been pleased to work closely with Angola this year during its 
Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. We hope to continue our constructive 
working relationship in future years given our common interest in a unified and effective Kimberley 
Process. 
4.29.  For this review, Australia has submitted a number of written questions relating to Angola’s 
trade and investment regime. We look forward to Angola’s response to these questions. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.30.  This is Angola's second review and I would like to start by noting that, since the last review, 
the Angolan economy witnessed strong growth as also acknowledged by the UN, which has 
proposed Angola's graduation to Middle Income Country status (in 2018).  
4.31.  Nevertheless, the EU recognizes that Angola  is currently going through a difficult economic 
period due to lower international oil prices and to Angola's too large oil-dependent economy. 
4.32.  Let me note that the need to revitali se and diversify Angola's economy was already 
highlighted at the last trade policy review, when Angola was encouraged to give trade a central 
role in its development strategy, particularly in revitalizing the non-oil sectors of the economy, and 
to avoid inward-looking trade policies as a long term solution.  
4.33.  The EU appreciates the objectives set out by Angola in its National Development Strategy 
"Angola 2025". It represents a good step in the direction of structural economic reforms and of 
creating a better business environment to attract FDI. It also helps establishing the necessary 
legal framework for promoting the modernisation and diversification of the economy as well as for promoting a more inclusive distribution of wealth.  
4.34.  The EU also welcomes Angola's efforts to create the necessary conditions for the acceptance 
of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and encourag es the government to notify its category A 
commitments and start the internal process necessary to lead to the ratification of the Agreement without delay. This would allow the EU as well as other donors to clearly identify Angola's needs 
for providing tailored and adequate technical and financial assistance. 
4.35.  A word on our bilateral relationship. Angola is an important economic market for many 
European companies. The EU is the second largest trading partner of Angola globally. According to 
the latest data from 2013, the EU is the main sour ce of imports (37.2% market share) and second 
largest export destination (17% of Angola's sales). In regional terms, Angola is now the second largest trading partner of the EU in Southern Africa and investment flows have also been gaining importance.  
4.36.  Moreover, the EU continues to be the biggest  direct donor for development aid in Angola. In 
the 11th European Development Fund, covering the period 2014-2020, an envelope of €210 million has been proposed for Angola.  
4.37.  The EU would like now to raise a few concerns. 
4.38.  Let me start with a general remark. In EU's view, Angola needs to improve its business 
environment, to limit protectionism and to respect WTO rules; otherwise the current difficult 
business environment will deter investors outside the hydrocarbons sector.  WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.39.  Let me now stress a few of the issues that the EU raised also in its written questions and 
that are considered and confirmed by EU operators as obstacles to trade.  
4.40.  First of all, the introduction of a higher tariff structure has led to an increase in consumer 
prices and is restricting imports.  
4.41.  Secondly, the announced revision of the Pr ivate Investment Law gives reason for concern: 
new taxes on the repatriation of capital and the tendency to promote national instead of foreign 
investment could create serious barriers to FDIs. The EU would encourage Angola to simplify its 
legislation in respect to the WTO rules.   
4.42.  Thirdly, we are concerned by the Execut ive decree No. 22 of 23 January 2015 that regulates 
the importation and distribution and sale of food /non-food products where domestic supply covers 
60% of national consumption. The EU believes that this decree is not in compliance with Angola's 
WTO commitments and has accordingly informed An gola of its views. The Angolan Ministry of 
Trade has, on 7 September, confirmed in writing that this decree will be amended to bring it in line with WTO rules. I hope Angola will now confirm this and clarify when it expects to notify this 
measure to the WTO. 
4.43.  Then, the new Angolan legislation that requires shipping agencies to be exclusively owned 
by Angolan nationals creates a real problem to foreign shipping agencies. The EU would like to 
express its concerns on these provisions and, in this regards, the EU is wondering whether Angola 
is envisaging any amendments to this decree. 
4.44.  Finally, the EU understands the interest of  Angola for the development of its industrial 
fisheries sector; however, this needs to be put in place in a transparent manner and in the respect 
of the sector's sustainability.   
4.45.  The EU is confident that our meeting will he lp Angola in reviewing its own policies so as to 
ensure that they are most favourable for attaining its economic objectives while respecting its 
international commitments in this forum. 
4.46.  We would like to thank Angola for the responses to the questions we have previously 
submitted in writing. 
4.47.  On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a co nstructive exchange of views during this review. I 
wish Angola's delegation the utmost success during its Trade Policy Review.   
CHINA 4.48.  We are glad to note that Angola registered a decade of strong growth since its first review in 
2006. Although the growth was slowed down during the global financial crisis in 2009, Angola was 
able to gradually recover from the external shock and maintained its macroeconomic stability. It is heartening to see Angola's economic development has benefited its people. The number of the 
Angolans living on less than US$2 per day has dropped from 92% in 2000 to 54% in 2014. 
4.49.  In recent years, Angola was among the hi ghest recipient of foreign direct investment in 
Africa, with investments totalling US$16 billion in 2014. 
4.50.  Here in the WTO, it is commendable that Angola is firmly committed to the early conclusion 
of Doha Developments Agenda, and played a constr uctive role in pursuing the DDA's development 
dimensions as a member of the African Group, AC P and LDC. We also note that as an important 
member of the African Union and many other regional agreements, Angola is actively participating 
in bilateral and regional trade initiatives. 
4.51.  On the bilateral front, China is Angola's largest trading partner, and Angola is our second 
largest trading partner in Africa. The bilateral trade volume has reached US$37 billion in 2014, 
more than tripled from the last review in 2006. Our investment in Angola also reached US$2 billion 
by the end of 2014, and this number is increasing  in a very fast speed. This year, China and 
Angola have established the Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee, which we believe will 
bring new momentum to our comprehensive cooperation in the future. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.52.  Looking ahead, China is ready to actively engage in Angola's diversification and 
industrialization process, with deeper and wider cooperation in such sectors as infrastructure, education, agriculture, industry and financing. However, it is worth mentioning that there is still some room for Angola to improve in terms of building an investment-friendly environment. 
Particularly, some imminent issues have to be dealt with such as multiple taxation in investment 
projects, complicated and lengthy company regist ration process, slow custom clearance, and 
complex visa application procedures. We would also encourage the Government of Angola to 
quickly settle the due payments with foreign contractors in the government-led projects. We have 
submitted follow-up written questions and it is a ppreciated if Angola could provide replies soon. 
CHILE 4.53.  Para este segundo ejercicio de Angola hemos formulado siete consultas que han sido 
respondidas oportunamente, lo que agradecemos. 
4.54.  Reconocemos, asimismo, el trabajo realizado tanto por la Secretaría como por el Gobierno 
de Luanda por los respectivos informes, y felicitamos al embajador Xavier Carim (Sudáfrica) por 
sus aportes como ponente en este proceso. 
4.55.  Angola y Chile mantienen 25 años de relaciones diplomáticas, en este tiempo hemos 
trabajado multifacéticamente en distintos ámbito s, desarrollando, en un contexto de amistad y 
cooperación, sinergias de nuestros intereses y visiones del mundo. 
4.56.  Una muestra de la excelente coordinación del trabajo de Angola y Chile es el que estamos 
realizando este año en Naciones Unidas, donde coincidimos como miembros no permanentes del Consejo de Seguridad. 
4.57.  Me permito recalcar que la política exterior de Chile ha definido como uno de sus objetivos 
el fortalecer la relación con África. Consideramos que dos importantes medios para lograr un mayor acercamiento y cooperación entre ambos países y continentes son: el Mecanismo de 
Cooperación ASA (América del Sur-África), y la acreditación de mi país, en 2007, ante la Unión 
Africana. 
4.58.  La visita de Estado de la Presidenta de Chile a Angola en agosto del año pasado, sin lugar a 
dudas sirvió para dar un nuevo impulso a nuestras relaciones bilaterales. La máxima autoridad de 
m i  p a í s  e s t u v o  a c o m p a ñ a d a  d e  c u a t r o  m i n i s t r o s :  R e l a c i o n e s  E x t e r i o r e s ,  E n e r g í a ,  A g r i c u l t u r a  y  Minería, además de representantes del Poder Legislativo. Esto comprueba nuestro interés por dinamizar las distintas esferas bilaterales. 
4.59.  Concretamente, esperamos continuar ampliando con Angola el diálogo político, 
económico-comercial, de inversiones, cooperación técnica y cultural.  
4.60.  El intercambio comercial entre ambos países ascendió a los 396 millones de dólares EE.UU. 
en 2014, uno de los más altos de Chile en el continente africano ese año. 
4.61.  En junio pasado, una misión comercial público-privada chilena visitó Luanda para realizar el 
Seminario de Oportunidades de Comercio Angola-Chile. 
4.62.  En materia de cooperación, se destaca que producto de la visita de la Presidenta Bachelet a 
Angola y otros países africanos – como Mozambique y Sudáfrica - se lanzó el 2014 el Programa de Becas República de Chile-Nelson Mandela.  
4.63.  Esta iniciativa es una convocatoria para realizar estudios de magister en distintas 
disciplinas, en universidades chilenas acreditadas y en diversas regiones de mi país. A este 
programa ya han sido seleccionados 12 profesionales angoleños en las áreas de agricultura, economía, gestión de políticas públicas, medio ambiente y salud.  
4.64.  Entre otros acuerdos, me permito nombrar el existente entre el Servicio Agrícola y 
Ganadero (SAG) de Chile y el Instituto de Investigación Veterinaria de Angola, suscrito el 15 de abril de este año, en Luanda, y que está orientado a la formación de técnicos y profesionales de WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  las áreas relacionadas con la planificación y ejecución de programas de control de sanidad animal 
y residuos químicos en productos de origen animal.  
4.65.  Otros cinco acuerdos, de diferente índole, se encuentran en etapa de negociación.   4.66.  Por otra parte, el marcado deseo de Chile por contribuir con los objetivos del sistema 
multilateral de comercio y mejorar sus vínculos comerciales con Angola, también se puede 
encontrar en la Ley chilena del 28 de septiembre de 2013 que eliminó los aranceles para los 48 países menos adelantados. Este régimen unilatera l de preferencias arancelarias no recíprocas 
para los PMA fija en 0% los derechos de aduana a las importaciones de mercancías originarias 
procedentes de este grupo de países. Por cierto que este régimen se encuentra totalmente operativo y vigente; sabemos que Angola ha registrado operaciones de importación acogidas a esta Ley y lo alentamos a que continúe haciendo uso de esta preferencia. 
4.67.  Con respecto al Informe presentado, observamos con gran interés los esfuerzos de la 
economía angoleña por diversificar su producción con el objeto de reducir su dependencia del petróleo, ya que ésta representa el 40% del PIB, más del 95% de los ingresos de exportación y 
cerca del 75% de los ingresos públicos. Confiamos en que las autoridades tomen las medidas 
correspondientes para que la caída de los precios del petróleo de los últimos meses no afecte sus objetivos para seguir reduciendo el nivel de pobr eza de su población. Asimismo, la diversificación 
debería repercutir en disminuir la tasa de desempleo. 
4.68.  Seguimos con atención los esfuerzos de las autoridades de Luanda por aumentar la 
producción agrícola y así dejar de ser un importad or neto de productos agroalimentarios. Según el 
informe de la Secretaría, la industria agrícola ocupa a más de la mitad de la población activa, pero 
solo contribuye al 5% del PIB.  
4.69.  En relación con lo anterior, esperamos que se cumplan los objetivos trazados en la 
estrategia de desarrollo a largo plazo, Angola 2025,  para cubrir su demanda de alimentos al 75%, 
y lograr exportar sus productos agrícolas. 
4.70.  En cuanto a las inversiones, vemos con agrado que en el año 2014 Angola haya sido el 
segundo receptor de inversión extranjera directa en su continente, por un total de 16.000 millones 
de dólares EE.UU.; nos permitimos inferir que contribuyeron en este resultado: la aplicación del 
programa de estabilización para contar con una inflación estable y controlada, y la Ley de 2011 que garantiza la igualdad de trato para los inversores nacionales y extranjeros, aunque desearíamos que más sectores estuvieran abiertos a los privados. 
4.71.  Sin embargo, esperamos que en el futuro mejore su clasificación del Banco Mundial sobre 
las condiciones favorables para la inversión ("Doing Business Rankings").  
4.72.  En el régimen de importación, alentamos a las autoridades angoleñas a proveer mayor 
coordinación de los regímenes sanitarios y fitosanitarios y los obstáculos técnicos al comercio, con 
el objeto de evitar reiteradas inspecciones a los productos. 
UNITED
 STATES 
4.73.  The United States has a strong trade relationship with Angola, one that – like Angola’s 
economy – is dominated by energy and energy-relat ed industrial products such as oil machinery 
and mining equipment. Overall, the United Stat es is one of the largest markets for Angola’s 
exports as well as imports. In addition, the United States has several programmes underway to 
assist in the sustainable development and diversification of Angola’s economy. Notably, Angola has 
been eligible for benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act since 2004 and the US Agency for International Development has several projects to support private sector growth, 
stimulate investment in export-oriented companies, and strengthen Angola’s commercial laws. 
4.74.  Angola is rapidly rebuilding after 27 years of civil conflict that ended in 2002; however, the 
development challenges facing the country remain daunting. While progress has been made 
towards implementing policies aimed at reducing poverty, living standards for the general 
population remain low and the challenges of reconstruction continue. We welcome, during the course of this review, an update on progress being made with respect to the Government’s WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  extremely important Poverty Reduction Strategy, es pecially the two dynamic engines of economic 
growth – education and good governance. 
4.75.  Angola has experienced rapid rates of gr owth, but the formal economy is overwhelmingly 
dominated by the oil sector, which accounts for more than 98% of Angola’s merchandise exports, 
yet only a small share of its employment. Therefor e, even high rates of economic growth do not 
necessarily translate into higher living standards for the general population. Moreover, with the downturn in the global petroleum market, and the resulting significant downward impact on 
Angola’s budget, we are pleased that economic diversification is a strategy the Angolan 
government is pursuing with renewed vigour. The progress made in recent years to develop the 
non-oil economy has served Angola well; the difference in Angola’s ability to cope with the downturn in oil prices is markedly improved from what it was in 2008 thanks largely to this 
diversification. The next step in Angola’s growth will be to harness the revenues from oil 
production and mineral extraction to generate growth in other sectors of its economy. The challenge of diversification is a difficult one to manage, and when the energy sector is involved 
there is a premium to be placed on good governance. During this review, we would be interested 
in learning more about Angola’s plans for economic diversification, the policies for managing it, and on the sectors where there may be promising growth potential. 
4.76.  In January, Angola announced new protectionist import quotas on a limited set of products 
aimed at protecting domestic production. Such a policy is rarely successful, and we are pleased that Angola announced in April that it would not implement the quotas, effectively suspending them. During this review, we would like to learn more about Angola’s planned use of import 
substitution and the timeframe in which the government believes such measures may be 
necessary. Our objective, in part, is to ascertain if these intended measures are in compliance with Angola’s WTO obligations and commitments. 
4.77.  The Central Bank has also limited the availab ility of foreign exchange to firms that need to 
pay for imports and repatriate profits. We would like to learn more about Angola’s plans for normalizing the auction of foreign currency. 
4.78.  On another general issue, namely, the State’s participation in the economy, there have 
been some positive developments, although more will be needed to promote growth in new economic activities. Previous accomplishments include publication of a consultant’s report on ways to improve management of the oil sector, the creation of a special fund to absorb the windfall 
gains from high oil prices, and a new requirement that the parastatal oil company and the Central 
Bank be subject to annual external audits. We look  forward to seeing more progress in the area of 
privatization, and in this review we would welcome an update from Angola on its current and 
future plans for promoting privatization in different sectors of its economy. 
4.79.  In closing, the United States looks forwar d to expanding its trade relationship with Angola, 
and we see many positive developments that – with time and persistence – may help to usher in a 
better future for the Angolan people. Our questions – with respect to Angola’s general policy 
directions and on specific issues such as cust oms procedures, intellectual property rights, and 
subsidies – all reflect a genuine interest in learning more about Angola’s reconstruction and its efforts to make its trade and economic regime more efficient, transparent, and consistent with 
WTO principles. In this regard, we would join other speakers in encouraging Angola to move 
forward with notification of its Category A commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and of course, with submission of its instrument of acceptance for the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. 
NORWAY 4.80.  The development in the Angolan economy si nce the millennium is impressive, and the IMF 
commends Angola both on macroeconomic stability and on economic growth. Despite the 
significant fall in oil prices, it is expected that the Angolan economy will continue to grow at a rate of 3.8% in 2015 and 4.2 % in 2016. This are good news. 
4.81.  At the same time, the Angolan economy is heavily dependent upon oil, as is the Norwegian 
one. The oil sector in Angola represents 40% of GDP, 95% of export earnings and 75% of WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  governmental revenues. The sharp fall in oil prices this year is hitting the economy hard, as 
mentioned by the trade minister, and government revenues will fall significantly.  
4.82.  The high growth rate has reduced poverty from 62% in 2001 to 37% in 2009, an 
achievement we would like to applaud. However, we acknowledge that Angola faces enormous 
challenges. On the one hand, Angola has a thriving petroleum industry, receives a large portion of 
foreign direct investments and is in the process of  graduating from least developed country status. 
On the other, the petroleum sector is capital intensive, there is high unemployment around 25% 
and Angola has high poverty rates. Angola is ranked 149th out of 187 countries in 2014 in the 
UNDP Human Development Index.  
4.83.  Diversification into other sectors, not least agriculture and the agribusiness is a major 
priority as is noted both in the national TPR report and in the WTO Secretariat report. The 
agricultural sector, which employs 40% of the population, only makes up 5% of GDP.  
4.84.  Structural reforms are essential to enhance efficiency in the allocation of resources and 
create the conditions for a faster rate of economic growth, which should benefit the whole 
population. Private sector development should be strengthened, and initiatives to counter the 
currently adverse business conditions should be promoted. In 2014, Angola was ranked 181st out of 189 in the World Bank’s Doing Business Rank ing. There is therefore large potential for 
improvements. On the positive side, efforts have be en put in place to reduce consumer inflation to 
7.3% in 2014, the lowest in 20 years.  
4.85.  As we see it, an open trade regime for both exports and imports can help to develop 
Angola’s economy. We underline the importance of imports as inputs for both domestic industry as 
well as for Angola’s export industry. Angola is in a privileged position in the sense that the state 
has high revenues from the petroleum industry, and is not as dependent on customs revenue as many other developing countries are. Therefore, Angola has greater flexibility to liberalise and 
benefit more quickly from trade. 
4.86.  I would just like to mention areas of concern for our businesses, namely currency 
restrictions, problems with customs clearance where trade facilitation measures would make clear 
differences and the need for transparency and predictability – including for investors. 
4.87.  Norway welcomes that Angola is creating a National Executive Secretariat for WTO issues, 
including a multi-sectoral advisory board. We would recommend using one national committee to steer all trade policy discussions, including work on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement.  
4.88.  It is highly useful that Angola has included in its report a list of areas in need of technical 
assistance. Depending on how far Angola has come in both setting up the National Executive 
Secretariat for WTO, and in the dialog with donor countries and institutions, we would recommend 
considering using the Enhanced Integrated Framewor k (EIF). However, it is important not to put 
parallel structures in place, but use the EIF to support the National Executive Secretariat for WTO.  
4.89.  Angola is Norway’s most important economic partner in Africa, primarily due to the 
petroleum sector. We hope to expand and diversify our business cooperation. The clean energy and fisheries sectors are areas of mutual interest and create employment opportunities in both countries. The strengthening of the fisheries sector in Angola is important for three main reasons: 
to secure the livelihoods of a great number of Angolans, to improve food security for the Angolan 
population and to contribute to important work to  diversify the economy. It  is, however, essential 
that the strengthening of the fisheries sector is sustainable. A Norwegian Research vessel, 
together with Angolan researchers, are conducti ng important work to enhance the knowledge of 
the marine resources, to improve management  and help avoid overfishing. Norway also 
appreciates technical cooperation with Angola in the area of clean energy. We hope that technical 
assistance that the Norwegian Directorate for Water and Energy (NVE) offers comes to good use 
as a complement to support from the African Develo pment Bank to reform of the energy sector.   WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  COLOMBIA 
4.90.  Para el periodo de este examen de política comercial, Angola ha experimentado un 
crecimiento del PIB de un 178%; promovido, básicamente, por el aumento en la producción y los precios del petróleo. Estos resultados han permitido que Angola haya podido reducir sus niveles de 
pobreza e incrementar su PIB per cápita en más de 400% desde el 2001.  
4.91.  Algunas medidas implementadas por el Gobierno de Angola en materia económica han 
tenido importantes resultados para su estabilidad y proyección, como lo son la reducción de la 
inflación y la deuda pública y el aumento en las reservas internacionales. 
4.92.  En materia de comercio exterior su balanza comercial positiva está altamente determinada 
por las ventas al exterior de petróleo crudo, que representan el 98% del total de sus exportaciones, destinadas principalmente a China. Por su parte, las importaciones, especialmente 
de maquinaria, equipos y vehículos de transporte, provienen de Europa y se han duplicado durante 
el periodo del examen. 
4.93.  En cuanto a inversión extranjera, las polí ticas implementadas para promover su atracción y 
estabilidad, han convertido a Angola en el segundo receptor de inversión extrajera directa en el 
continente africano. 
4.94.  En relación a sus procedimientos y requisitos aduaneros, notamos importantes progresos en 
la estrategia que ha venido desarrollado este país. Es por esto que confiamos en el pronto envío a 
la OMC de la notificación de Categoría A del Acuerdo de Facilitación del Comercio y de su instrumento de ratificación. 
4.95.  A pesar de estos resultados positivos, este país se enfrenta a grandes retos en materia de 
competitividad. La deficiente infraestructura, el desempleo, la apreciación de su moneda, la 
concentrada participación estatal y el escaso desarrollo de sus sectores agrícola y turístico, representan grandes desafíos, en el corto y mediano plazo, en los esfuerzos para la diversificación 
de su economía. 
4.96.  La reciente caída en el precio internacional del petróleo ha evidenciado la vulnerabilidad de 
la economía angoleña como lo demuestra la reducción de la tasa de crecimiento del PIB para el 
2014. La alta dependencia económica de este producto, que representa el 40% del PIB y el 75% 
de los ingresos públicos, hace altamente necesario el aprovechamiento de sus otros recursos, incluyendo los mineros e hídricos y la superficie de tierra cultivable disponible. 
4.97.  Notamos, según el informe de la Secretaría, la falta de notificaciones en materia de medidas 
sanitarias y fitosanitarias, reglamentos técnicos, empresas comerciales del estado y derechos de 
propiedad intelectual. Especial atención merece, el hecho que algunos aranceles aplicados estén por encima de los niveles consolidados en la OMC. Alentamos al Gobierno de Angola a poner sus 
medidas en conformidad y a participar más activamente en los ejercicios de transparencia, 
importante pilar de los trabajos en el seno de la OMC.  
4.98.  Estamos confiados en que las estrategias identificadas en su plan de desarrollo y en el 
Programa visión 2025 para el desarrollo equitativo e incluyente del país, otorgarán el impulso 
deseado a la modernización de la administración pública, el desarrollo de la infraestructura, la creación de empleo, la diversificación económica y a una mejora en la gestión de los recursos naturales. 
ECUADOR 
4.99.  Ecuador participa con gran interés en este Examen de Políticas Comerciales debido a que, 
en mayo pasado los Cancilleres de los dos países suscribieron varios Acuerdos que fortalecen las 
relaciones bilaterales, entre ellos el “Acuerdo Ma rco de Cooperación Económica, Científica, Técnica 
y Cultural”; el “Acuerdo entre la República de Angola y la República de Ecuador sobre Exención 
Recíproca de Visas en Pasaportes Diplomáticos, Oficiales, Especiales y de Servicios”; y, el 
“Memorando de Entendimiento para el Establecimiento del Mecanismo de Consultas Políticas entre 
el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de la República de Angola y el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana de la República de Ecuador”.  WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.100.  Estos importantes acuerdos facilitarán las consultas políticas permanentes para lograr una 
cooperación mutua, principalmente en los sectores petroleros, universitarios, tecnológicos y culturales. 
4.101.  En cuanto se refiere a los aspectos comerciales, Ecuador toma nota de la información 
proporcionada por la Secretaría en el sentido de que, después de la crisis mundial de 2008 y la 
caída de los precios del petróleo, Angola registró un crecimiento del 6,8% en el año 2013 y del 3,9% en el año 2014.  
4.102.  Ecuador, de igual manera, reconoce los esfuerzos que el Gobierno de Angola hace para 
incentivar la diversificación productiva, sobre todo por aumentar la producción agrícola que representa solo el 5% del PIB, así como el desarrollo del sector manufacturero que contribuye con el 4% del PIB; ya que, los productos del petróleo continúan representando el 40% del PIB, más 
del 95% de los ingresos por exportación y cerca del 75% de los ingresos públicos.  
4.103.  Asimismo, Ecuador desea destacar la política agrícola de Angola que persigue el 
crecimiento del sector agropecuario a través de su principal documento como es el Plan de 
Desarrollo a Mediano Plazo del Sector Agrícola (PDMPS) y el fortalecimiento de la producción de 
cereales, frutas, hortalizas, raíces y tubérculos con la finalidad de cubrir su demanda interna de alimentación. 
4.104.  De igual forma, registramos la información proporcionada en el reporte de la Secretaría, 
donde se expresa que los sectores del petróleo y el gas, los diamantes y las instituciones financieras están sujetos a regímenes especiales, incluido en lo que se refiere a las ventajas fiscales y aduaneras, que garantizan la igualdad de trato para los inversionistas, nacionales y 
extranjeros, resaltándose que el Gobierno an goleño ha suscrito acuerdos sobre promoción y 
protección recíproca de inversiones con 13 Estados. 
4.105.  Estos hechos han permitido que Angola, según los datos proporcionados por la UNCTAD, 
haya sido el segundo receptor de inversiones extranjeras directas de África en el año 2014. Sin 
embargo, también se señala que en ese mismo año ese país ocupó el puesto 181 entre 189 países en la clasificación del Banco Mundial que mide en qué grado las condiciones son favorables para la 
inversión (Doing Business Rankings).  
4.106.  Un tema que mi delegación desea destacar es el progreso que Angola realiza en materia 
aduanera, estableciendo un sistema de gestión de riesgos para la tramitación de las declaraciones en aduana. Además, a partir de marzo de 2012, todas las licencias de importación, exportación y 
reexportación se administran de manera electrónica. Angola ha informatizado los principales 
puestos de aduana y ha fusionado todas las administraciones fiscales en la denominada “Administración General Tributaria”.  
4.107.  De otra parte, Ecuador toma nota del informe de la Secretaría en el que se establece que 
la falta de infraestructura básica y de mano de obra calificada continúa frenando el dinamismo de la actividad industrial por lo que alienta al Gobierno de Angola a adoptar las medidas necesarias 
para que las manufacturas se consoliden y permitan la diversificación productiva, en coordinación 
con otros sectores de la economía, sobre todo la agricultura y la minería.  
4.108.  Para concluir, deseamos anticipar nuestro agradecimiento a la delegación de Angola por 
sus respuestas a las preguntas que hemos planteado sobre algunos aspectos concretos de su 
política comercial, lo que proveerá información importante para el fortalecimiento de las relaciones 
bilaterales en materia de comercio exterior. 
ARGENTINA 
4.109.  Como se destaca en el informe de la Secretaría, desde que terminó la guerra civil, Angola 
ha realizado reformas con el objetivo fundamental de mantener la paz y la estabilidad, reforzar el saneamiento de las finanzas públicas y conseguir la estabilización macroeconómica. 
4.110.  Ello le ha permitido tener un buen crecimiento económico que, si bien fue afectado por la 
crisis de 2008 y la caída de los precios del petróleo, se ha ido recuperando lentamente, hasta alcanzar el 6,8% en 2013 y el 3,9% en 2014. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.111.  Por otra parte, gracias a la aplicación de un programa de estabilización, Angola logró 
reducir la inflación de los precios al consumo al 7,3% en 2014, el nivel más bajo en 20 años. También ha logrado controlar la deuda externa en alrededor del 22% del PIB en 2013 y 2014. 
4.112.  Si bien la actividad económica depende fuertemente de la explotación del petróleo, que 
representa alrededor del 40% del PIB y más del 95% de los ingresos de exportación, constatamos 
que desde la crisis de 2008, el Gobierno está re alizando esfuerzos para diversificar la economía, 
apoyando el desarrollo de la agricultura y la agroindustria, la pesca, el turismo y la industria 
manufacturera.  
4.113.  Felicitamos a Angola por los progresos realizados en materia de lucha contra la pobreza. 
En particular, destacamos la reducción del nivel de pobreza del 62% en 2001 al 37% en 2009, y el 
aumento de la renta por habitante a 5.706 dólares EE.UU. en 2012, frente a los 1.000 dólares 
EE.UU. de 2001.  
4.114.  Si bien Angola enfrenta importantes desafíos como el desempleo, que sigue siendo alto y 
se mantiene estable en torno al 25%, confiamos en que la aplicación de la estrategia de desarrollo 
definida en la Visión 2025 y el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo para el período 2013-2017 centrado en 
la estabilidad, el crecimiento y el empleo, permitirá a Angola un desarrollo equitativo e incluyente.  
4.115.  Pasando a la relación bilateral de la Argentina con Angola, dicha relación se ha visto 
fortalecida en los últimos años. Desde el punto de vista comercial, las dificultades que hoy 
enfrentan los países exportadores de petróleo han afectado, inevitablemente, el volumen de intercambio, generando la necesidad de tomar medidas de excepción en materia de regulación del comercio bilateral. 
4.116.  No obstante ello, los lazos estrechados en los últimos años han demostrado ser lo 
suficientemente fuertes como para resistir a esta coyuntura. La Argentina comprende la anormalidad de esta la situación actual y espera poder trabajar junto a Angola para continuar en la 
profundización de esta relación de gran potencial. 
4.117.  Por otra parte, la Argentina apreciaría intensificar la cooperación con Angola en 
negociaciones multilaterales de interés común, en particular teniendo en cuenta la preocupación 
de ambos países en materia de pesca y aprovechamiento sustentable de recursos ictícolas. 
THAILAND 4.118.  In 2014, the trade value between Thailand and Angola was US$603.7 million. Thailand’s 
exports and imports valued at US$279.2 million and US$323.5 million, respectively. Cereals, 
vehicles, meat and seafood are our top exports, while mineral fuel and oil were the predominant 
imports. 
4.119.  Although the bilateral trade value between Thailand and Angola is not very high, there is 
potential of trade and investment that can be expl ored. For example, trade and investment in food 
and agriculture sectors, and investment in housing and infrastructures.   
4.120.  We noted that from 2012 to 2014 Angola’s economy had grown with annual rates of 
7.63%, 4.21% and 4.71%, respectively. We would like to commend Angola for the efforts to open 
its market and to boost its economy by taking part in initiatives and multilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements.  
4.121.  In this review, Thailand submitted a number of questions to Angola, covering various 
issues such as tariff bindings, competition policy and price control, import and investment policies 
in food and agriculture sectors and intellectual property rights protection. We look forward to the responses in due course.  
4.122.  Finally, Thailand would like to express ou r appreciation to the delegation of Angola for 
today’s presentation. We wish Angola every success in this Trade Policy Review. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  INDIA 
4.123.  We are pleased to note that since its first review in 2006, the Angolan economy has 
registered an average annual growth rate of over 6.5%. It has maintained a surplus in merchandise trade as well as positive balance of payment except in 2009 and 2014. According to 
data notified to UNCTAD, in 2014, Angola was the second highest recipient of FDI inflows in the 
whole of Africa. At the same time, we recognize challenges facing Angola for maintaining sustained growth, diversification of its economy, addressing infrastructure deficit and need for skilled labour 
– factors, which continue to affect the dynamism of its industrial activity, development process and 
its fight against poverty. As noted in the Secretariat report, the oil sector still accounts for about 40% of its GDP, over 95% export earnings and close to 75% of Government revenue, making its economy vulnerable to external shocks. All of this brings out the importance of continued 
structural reforms to promote economic diversification, growth and inclusive development.  
4.124.  We take note that the Angolan Government has taken initiatives to restore trust and 
credibility, macroeconomic stabilization, economic growth and job creation, improving business 
environment, promoting competitiveness, and laying greater focus on its agriculture and 
manufacturing sectors. The Angolan Government approved its long-term national development strategy namely “Angola 2025” with the objective of achieving stability, growth and empowerment 
o f  p e o p l e .  I t  i s  o u r  h o p e  t h a t  A n g o l a  w i l l  c o n t i n u e  t o  t a k e  s t e p s  t o  m o d e r n i z e  i t s  e c o n o m y ,  
progressive liberalization of its trade regime consistent with its developmental imperatives and greater integration into regional economic processes and the global economy. We recognize the challenges facing Angola in aligning some of its national legislations with the WTO Agreements 
and, in this context, we fully understand its need  for enhanced technical assistance to strengthen 
its institutional capacity.  
4.125.  India and Angola enjoy close and friendly relations. We have an expanding economic and 
development partnership. Our bilateral trade increased from US$4.87 billion in 2010 to 
US$6.5 billion in 2014. Our bilateral trade largely comprises of import of crude oil from Angola, while India has been exporting engineering goods, pharmaceutical items, food products, finished 
leather and paper & wood products. We hope that Angola will take steps to strengthen its 
regulatory framework for SPS and TBT measures to facilitate bilateral trade in food and meat products. There is considerable scope for further expansion in our bilateral trade and investment ties, and we look forward to working with the Government of Angola in achieving these objectives. 
India values its development partnership with Angola and has extended development assistance 
for industrial and infrastructural development projects as well as through capacity building and technical cooperation programmes in diverse areas.  
4.126.  My delegation commends the commitment of Angola to the multilateral trading system and 
a successful conclusion of the DDA negotiations. Angola, along with other members of the ACP, Africa and the LDC Groups, has been in the forefron t in articulating the centrality of development 
dimension and the needs and interests of developing countries in the ongoing work in the WTO as 
part of the Doha Development Agenda. We look fo rward to working with Angola and other partners 
in securing balanced and development oriented outcomes at the Nairobi Ministerial. 
NIGERIA 
4.127.  Nigeria is happy to note that Angola has made substantial progress in economic and 
political terms since the end of the war in 2002,  as well as its remarkable economic growth 
between 2006 and 2014 with an average annual ra te of 6.76% in 2013 and standing at 3.9% in 
2014. The Government's overtly commitment to an ambitious policy agenda designed to promote 
more stable and inclusive growth and formal job creation, as well as important social and infrastructure programmes is worthy of noting, despite the massive developmental challenges 
been faced by the country including reducing the dependency on oil and diversifying the economy. 
Nigeria hares Angola's policy thrust aimed at dive rsifying the economy given the continuing decline 
in oil revenue as step in the right direction towards achieving a sustainable economic growth and development. We would, however, encourage Angola to remain wary of implementing policies that 
could lead to sustained public unrest and refrained from stricter measures directly affecting 
imports or exports including those noted in the Secretariat report. In this context, we would equally encourage Angola as a matter of priority to notify its Category A commitments under the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement and its state-trading enterprise within the meaning of Article XVII of WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  GATT, as well as ensure the effective coordination of the SPS and TBT regime in order to take full 
advantage of the multilateral trading system. 
4.128.  Nigerian-Angolan bilateral trade relation s although, had expired without any of the two 
sides benefiting tangible achievement dates back to 70s and based primarily on their roles as oil 
exporting nations. Both countries till date have  remained strategic partner in Africa which 
culminated in signing of Trade Agreement in 1977. In order to strengthen bilateral relation, the two countries establish a framework of Nigeria-Angola Joint Commission. The last Session being 
the 4
th Session of the Nigeria-Angola Joint Commission was held in Abuja in 2001 to chart way 
forward on how to enhance the existing bilateral relations between our countries. Likewise, an expert meeting preparatory to the 5
th Session of the Joint Commission was also held in Abuja in 
September 2013. It is worthy of note that be tween 2010 and 2014, the volume of trade between 
the two countries has been dwindling from US$287 million in 2010 to US$16 million in 2013. This 
is something both countries need to pay particular attention in view of the fact that we are yet to fully utilize the trade and investment potentials compared to opportunities which exist in both 
countries. Nigeria calls on our counterpart in Angola's Ministry of Trade to support the activities of 
the Joint Commission which is aimed at providing a platform for discussions on all issues that would further strengthen the existing relationship. 
4.129.  Before concluding, Nigeria wishes to acknowledge Angola's active participation of the 
Geneva based officials towards achieving a balanc ed and focused developmental oriented outcome 
for all in Nairobi Ministerial Conference. 
BÉNIN 
4.130.  La délégation du Bénin apprécie hautement les efforts que l'Angola déploie pour construire 
une économie dynamique et diversifiée dans un environnement juridique et un cadre institutionnel incitatifs. 
4.131.  La délégation du Bénin salue également l'engagement de l'Angola en faveur de la 
promotion du commerce international et de l'intégration régionale avec la prise en compte effective de la dimension développement. 
4.132.  Ceci explique, comme nous le notons, son implication depuis plusieurs années et sa 
participation effective et appréciée aux travaux de négociation du Cycle de Doha, à la fois à travers son équipe à Genève, conduite par S.E.  M. Apolinario Jorge Correia, Ambassadeur, 
Représentant Permanent de l'Angola à Genève, et les experts et autorités à Luanda. 
4.133.  La délégation du Bénin apprécie les résultats économiques et commerciaux obtenus par 
l'Angola depuis son précédent examen de polit ique commerciale en 2006, notamment en matière 
de: 
 Libéralisation progressive du commerce, traduite par l'adoption de la Loi de 2011 qui 
garantit l'égalité de traitement entre investisseurs nationaux et étrangers; 
 l'adoption en 2011 de la Loi créant le régime des Partenariats public-privé (PPP); 
 la sécurisation des procédures douanières, à travers la mise en place du système de 
gestion des risques et le mécanisme de contrôle différé; 
 l'assainissement des finances publiques et la rationalisation du régime fiscal; 
 la réduction du taux d'inflation qui est passé de 12,5% en 2008 à 7,3% en 2014. 
4.134.  Il importe également de souligner l'importance des réformes en cours dans le cadre de la 
mise en œuvre de la Stratégie nationale de développement à long terme, Angola 2025, déclinée sous les axes du Plan national de développement 2013-2017. 
4.135.  La délégation du Bénin voudrait également souligner la contribution importante de l'Angola 
dans les travaux de coopération et d'intégration régionale, au niveau de la SADEC et de la Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique centrale. 
4.136.  La délégation du Bénin recommande vivement que l'assistance nécessaire soit accordée à 
l'Angola afin de l'aider à relever les défis de son développement. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  TOGO 
4.137.  Les relations commerciales et économiques entre l'Angola et le Togo ne sont pas intenses. 
Il y a très peu de statistiques en ce sens et les recherches sur les relations commerciales entre les deux pays donnent très peu de résultats de ce fait. 
4.138.  Toutefois, dans un contexte international oú le renforcement du commerce intra-africain 
est un enjeu de taille, la délégation du Togo estime que les pistes méritent d'être explorées pour une coopération commerciale agissante entre les pays frères. 
4.139.  Ce souhait se fonde également sur l'opportunité qu'offre le nouveau traité de libre-échange 
africain qui, de l'avis de la plupart des experts, devra libérer le potentiel commercial de l'Afrique en 
boostant des échanges commerciaux entre les pays dans l'intérêt bien compris des populations. 
4.140.  Permettez toutefois à la délégation togolaise de faire quelques commentaires sur les 
rapports produits aussi bien par le Gouvernement angolais que par le Secrétariat de l'OMC. 
4.141.  Á la lumière desdits rapports, il ressort que le pays soumis à l'examen a définitivement 
tourné la page sombre du conflit qui a hypoth équé ses efforts de développement pendant une 
vingtaine d'années. En témoigne le classement de l'Angola comme second récipiendaire 
d'investissements directs étrangers en Afrique en 2014. C'est un signe du retour à la sécurité sans laquelle aucun investisseur ne peut s'intéresser à un pays. Mais c'est également une prime aux 
mesures incitatives prises par le Gouvernement angolais dans la loi qui réglemente 
l'investissement, pour ne citer que la Loi de 2011 qui garantit l'égalité de traitement entre investisseurs nationaux et étrangers. 
4.142.  C'est le lieu de féliciter l'Angola pour ce retour définitif à la paix sans laquelle aucune 
Nation ne peut prospérer.  
4.143.  Par ailleurs, on note que la croissance s'est inscrite dans un cercle vertueux depuis 2006, 
même si elle a connu une baisse essentiellement due à la baisse des cours du pétrole dont son 
économie est largement tributaire, soit 47% du produit intérieur brut (PIB), 95% des exportations 
et près de 75% des recettes publiques. 
4.144.  Cependant, comme le note le Secrétariat, cette dépendance aux produits pétroliers expose 
le pays aux chocs extérieurs dont les effets se sont d'ailleurs faits sentir en 2014 et 2015 en cours 
oú la chute du brut a bousculé les prévisions budgétaires. 
4.145.  En effet, il faut noter que ce problème n'est pas typiquement angolais puisque la plupart 
des pays africains dont les économies sont basées sur les matières premières le vivent 
quotidiennement, d'oú l'impérieuse nécessité de bâtir des économies résilientes, capables de 
résister aux chocs et perturbations en recourant à une diversification économique. 
4.146.  Le Togo, qui vit les mêmes réalités et appu ie la politique du Gouvernement angolais qui a 
résolument mis l'accent sur cette approche qui se traduit par un soutien au développement de 
l'agriculture, de l'agro-industrie, de la pêche, du tourisme et de l'industrie manufacturière. 
4.147.  La délégation togolaise considère qu'il s'agit des secteurs à fort potentiel, qui regorgent 
des opportunités insoupçonnées, pour peu que les pays s'y intéressent. 
4.148.  Ces mesures de diversification produiront certainement leurs effets permettant ainsi à 
l'Angola de résister au choc extérieur, et partant la création d'emplois. 
4.149.  La délégation du Togo voudrait féliciter l'Angola pour les mesures tous azimuts qu'il prend 
dans le cadre de sa politique commerciale visant la libération du commerce international. 
4.150.  Malgré sa faible capacité eu égard à son statut de PMA, l'Angola fait aussi montre de son 
attachement aux idéaux qui caractérisent l'OMC. La délégation togolaise prend note de l'assistance 
technique de l'OMC qui a été très marquée dans ce pays. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.151.  En témoigne le rapport du Secrétariat qui souligne un nombre assez élevé d'activités 
d'assistance technique menées dans ce pays. 
4.152.  C'est le lieu également de rendre hommage aux efforts des services d'assistance technique 
de l'OMC qui portent des fruits dans les PMA comme le nôtre. 
4.153.  La délégation togolaise voudrait clore son propos en souhaitant bonne chance à l'Angola 
pour cet examen et l'assurer par la même occasion de son plein soutien dans la mise en œuvre des recommandations qui en sortiront. 
JAPAN 
4.154.  At the outset, Japan would like to express its sincere appreciation for the reports made by 
the Government of Angola and the Secretariat. Each  of these reports clearly depicts the challenges 
that Angola has faced up to now and the efforts that have been made to overcome them. Japan 
highly commends Angola's continuous efforts to achieve greater economic growth through smooth 
integration into the global trading system. 
4.155.  Since the end of the 27-year civil war, An gola has shown robust economic growth primarily 
driven by its oil sector. Japan highly commend s Angola's achievement of vigorous and rapid 
economic growth in such a short period. 
4.156.  However, lately the Angolan economy has shown signs of slowing down. The financial crisis 
resulting in the collapse of oil prices in 2008 de celerated growth. While the economy had gradually 
recovered to a rate of 6.8% in 2013, it slowed down again to a rate of 3.9% in 2014. This downturn was mainly due to the recent drop in oil prices. These facts clearly illustrate Angola's high dependence on the oil sector, which accounts for one third of its GDP, resulting in its 
vulnerability to the exogenous factor. 
4.157.  Japan encourages Angola to further strengthen its efforts to grow the non-oil sectors and 
diversify its economy utilizing other natural resources such as highly fertile soils, water resources, 
fishery resources, mining resources including diamond and so forth. 
4.158.  Angola's great potential in various sectors attracts many investors, including Japanese 
entities. As a matter of fact, Angola is the second largest recipient of FDI in Africa. However, while 
it may sound paradoxical, the business environment in Angola is one of the worst in the world. It 
ranked 174
th out of 189 countries according to the Doing Business 2015 survey by the World Bank. 
Japan commends the Government of Angola for formulating its 2013-2017 National Development Plan and continuing to improve the business environment under the plan. Japan encourages 
Angola to accelerate its implementation of this plan. 
4.159.  Before concluding, please allow me to make some brief comments on the WTO and trade 
facilitation. Japan highly appreciates the active contribution of Angola in the negotiation for the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement and commends its efforts to streamline import and export procedures 
under its ambitious plan for trade facilitation, namely "the Angolan Customs Services Strategic Plan". Japan encourages Angola to do its best to notify its Category A commitments and finish all 
internal procedures for the acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement as soon as possible. 
SÉNÉGAL 4.160.  Depuis l’indépendance de l’Angola en 1975, le pays, doté d’énormes potentialités, 
notamment en ressources naturelles, a enregistré des progrès notables.  
4.161.  Pendant longtemps, il a connu une forte cr oissance et, jusqu’à présent, elle attire une 
grande part des investissements internationaux en Afrique.  
4.162.  Depuis 2009, la croissance économique de l’Angola s’est stabilisée à 3,9% en 2014 
permettant au pays de ramener son taux de pauvreté de 62% en 2001 à 37% en 2009 et à 
augmenter le revenu par habitant estimé à 5 706 dollars EU aujourd’hui. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.163.  De même, la poursuite du programme de stabilisation, appuyé par le FMI entre novembre 
2009 et mars 2012, a contribué à réduire l'inflation des prix à la consommation à 7,3% en 2014, son plus bas niveau en 20 ans.  
4.164.  Des réformes visant à améliorer la compétitivité de l'économie ont également été notées; 
l’Angola a été classée en 2014 second récipiendaire d'investissements étrangers directs en Afrique, 
en progression de cinq places par rapport à l'année précédente, avec un montant total d'investissement de 16 milliards de dollars EU. 
4.165.  Malgré ces efforts appréciables, l’Angola connait des difficultés consécutives à un 
environnement international défavorable. La forte dépendance aux matières premières comme le pétrole et le diamant constitue un enjeu sur lequel il est important d’apporter des solutions urgentes allant dans le sens d’une plus grande diversification de l’économie et une meilleure 
intégration dans la chaine des valeurs mondiales. 
4.166.  En dépit des difficultés rencontrées sur la voie d’une meilleure intégration au système 
commercial multilatéral, des efforts appréciables sont consentis par l’Angola pour honorer 
l’ensemble des engagements commerciaux souscrits dans le cadre de l’OMC et chercher ainsi à 
parvenir à l’émergence. De tels efforts méritent d’être salués. 
4.167.  La délégation du Sénégal encourage l’Angola à poursuivre dans sur cette voie eu égard au 
rôle important qu’elle pourrait jouer dans sa zone géographique et au niveau de la grande famille 
africaine. 
4.168.  La délégation du Sénégal voudrait conclure en souhaitant à votre pays, à vous et à la 
délégation qui vous accompagne, un succès éclatant dans l’exercice de votre examen de politique 
commerciale. 
NAMIBIA 4.169.  Angola and Namibia have an excellent trade and economic relations through regional 
agreements and bilateral cooperation, including Tran s-Frontier Agreements which aims to facilitate 
trade among neighbouring countries signed this year. 
4.170.  Namibia commends Angola for making considerable progress in stabilizing its economy 
since the first Trade Policy Review, which took plac e in 2006. It was also important to have noted 
that Angola had implemented policies aim to figh t poverty and guarantee the process of economic 
reconstruction, particularly the approval of its lo ng term National Development Strategy, known as 
"Angola 2025". 
4.171.  Namibia welcomes Angola's commitment to open up its market and boost its economy, by 
fully taking part in the multilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements. 
4.172.  Despite the inherent constraints due to the war, the Angolan Government should be 
commended for its commitment to improve the living standards of its citizens. We wish to 
encourage other trading partners of Angola to strengthen support for the Angolan Government to achieve its economic growth. 
RÉPUBLIQUE
 DU CONGO 
4.173.  Madame la Ministre, je tiens à vous féliciter pour votre déclaration liminaire, si claire et 
édifiée. Elle nous a permis de nous imprégner de l’évolution économique et commerciale de votre pays, ainsi que des réformes entreprises au cours de ces dernières années.  
4.174.  Cette présentation nous a donné une vision globale des efforts déployés par les autorités 
angolaises en vue de mieux insérer le pays dans le commerce international. 
4.175.  Je félicite et remercie le présentateur, Son Excellence Monsieur Carim Xavier, 
Ambassadeur, Représentant permanent de l’Afrique du  Sud, pour son brillant et captivant exposé. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.176.  Je tiens également à féliciter mon collègue, l’Ambassadeur Appolinario et sa délégation, 
pour leur implication dans les négociations à l’OMC. 
4.177.  Je m’en voudrais de ne pas adresser mes sincères remerciements au secrétariat de l’OMC 
pour son travail et la richesse de sa documentation qui nous permet d’apprécier cet important 
exercice. 
4.178.  L’Angola et le Congo sont deux pays frères condamnés à vivre ensemble par leur histoire 
et leur géographie, dont la conséquence directe est l’intensification d’une coopération commerciale 
toujours croissante. En témoigne la signature des derniers accords bilatéraux, au mois d’avril de 
cette année. 
4.179.  Actuellement, tous les efforts nos deux pays concourent vers le développement 
économique et social afin de créer des conditions pour le bien-être des populations. En effet, les 
études récentes montrent qu’au cours de ces dernières années, l’Angola et le Congo ont connu les 
hauts niveaux de croissance économique, de développement humain et de stabilité politique. 
4.180.  Je me réjouis que l’Angola ait réaffirmé dans son rapport son attachement à l’intégration 
régionale au sein de la Communauté économ ique des États d’Afrique centrale (CEEAC). 
Communauté à laquelle nos deux pays appartiennent et dont la vision stratégique vise à bâtir et promouvoir un espace économique de paix, de prospérité, de solidarité et de progrès. Cette 
stratégie communautaire ne peut que booster les échanges commerciaux entre nos États au 
moment où le commerce intra-africain devient un enjeu majeur dans le contexte économique international. 
4.181.  Ma délégation note avec satisfaction qu’au cours de la période allant de 2006 à 2014, 
l’économie angolaise a enregistré une croissance annuelle moyenne de 6,7%.  
4.182.  Tirée par l’exportation des matières premières, cette croissance a permis au pays de 
ramener son taux de pauvreté de 62% en 2001 à 37% en 2009, et de s’orienter vers la 
diversification économique. 
4.183.  La délégation du Congo se réjouit des réformes engagées par l’Angola dans le domaine 
fiscal et de la dépense publique, ainsi que dans  l a  c o n s t r u c t i o n  e t  l a  r e m i s e  e n  é t a t  d e s  
infrastructures économiques et sociales. Ces mesures lui permettent d’envisager avec optimisme la 
sortie de la catégorie des PMA. 
4.184.  En conclusion, ma délégation partage l’enthousiasme du Gouvernement angolais à mettre 
en œuvre les mesures essentielles qui visent à rétablir son capital de confiance et sa crédibilité, en 
vue d’améliorer les conditions d’investissements dans le pays.  
4.185.  Je souhaite plein succès à l’Angola pour so n deuxième examen et dans la mise œuvre des 
recommandations qui en résulteront. 
RÉPUBLIQUE
 DÉMOCRATIQUE  DU CONGO 
4.186.  L’importance de la délégation angolaise témoigne à suffisance de l’attention toute 
particulière que ce pays réserve à son développement dont le commerce est l’un des principaux 
moteurs. 
4.187.  Il n’est donc pas étonnant que dans très peu de temps le statut de Pays moins avancé de 
l’Angola ne sera plus qu’un mauvais souvenir et une vieille histoire. En effet, des réformes profondes entreprises par le Gouvernement ont contribué à imprimer une croissance soutenue à 
l’économie, en dépit des secousses récentes provoq uées par la chute brutale des cours du pétrole, 
gros générateur des ressources d’exportation dont le rôle central dans le PIB est bien reconnu. 
4.188.  Nous saluons l’adoption des mesures incitatives à l’afflux des investissements étrangers 
directs qui favorisent la création des petites, moyennes et micro entreprises. La délégation de la 
République Démocratique du Congo est persuadée que le dynamisme économique dont l’Angola fait montre et la mise en œuvre des réformes adoptées permettront la création d’emplois et la 
réduction de la pauvreté qui frappe encore une bonne partie de la population.  WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.189.  L’Angola nous a démontré sa capacité à surmonter les gros défis auxquels il a été 
confronté durant des décennies et sa détermination à mettre à profit ses immenses richesses minières, maritimes et agricoles, potentielles et existantes. 
4.190.  La République Démocratique du Congo, mon pays, et la République d’Angola entretiennent 
d’étroites relations commerciales et économiques séculaires, rendues possibles par le partage 
d’une frontière terrestre et maritime commune. Á cause de ces relations privilégiées, nous souhaitons à l’Angola un futur radieux et à sa délégation une heureuse conclusion de l’examen de 
ses politiques commerciales. 
URUGUAY 4.191.  Debemos reconocer el esfuerzo de Angola para mejorar el desempeño económico y sus 
resultados que se reflejan en sus indicadores, en incrementos en su PIB per cápita.  
4.192.  Sin embargo, Angola sigue dependiendo abrumadoramente de la producción y exportación 
de petróleo crudo, lo que tiene una serie de consecuencias en su economía y en el futuro del país. 
4.193.  Es interesante la indicación de la Secretaría sobre el potencial agrícola del país tanto por la 
calidad de sus suelos como por sus recursos cítricos. Sin embargo, Angola debe enfrentar 
problemas de infraestructura e incrementación de su mercado agrícola. 
4.194.  No hemos hecho preguntas a Angola pero nos preocupa el incremento de los aranceles 
agrícolas y sería interesante conocer los motivos para esto.  
4.195.  Con el potencial agrícola que tiene Angola, pensamos que debería ser uno de los Miembros 
más interesados en la liberalización del comercio agrícola internacional, en la eliminación de subvenciones distorsivas a la agricultura, lo que generaría enormes oportunidades para su país. 
4.196.  Uruguay tiene mucho interés en dinamizar sus relaciones comerciales con Angola 
substantivamente. Ya estamos exportando pescado, lácteos, y frutas frescas y hay espacio para cooperación en la producción agrícola, agropecuaria así como para inversiones. 
4.197.  En esta línea, con el objetivo de apoyar y reforzar la relación bilateral, Uruguay ha abierto 
recientemente una Embajada en Luanda. Esperamos que Angola se convierta en un socio comercial importante de Uruguay y el instrumento que ayude a eso.  
4.198.  Finalmente, Uruguay quisiera felicitar a Angola por el trabajo realizado para la preparación 
del examen, y por los progresos realizados. Evidentemente, el desafío es de diversificar la economía, reducir la dependencia a la economía petrolera, y el fortalecimiento institucional del país. 
THE
 SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
4.199.  My delegation recognizes the efforts made since the end of the civil war in terms of reform, 
although there was still much work to be done. We note Angola's economic performance has also 
improved by foreign direct investment and the expansion of private sector credit. We welcome 
these efforts by the Government of Angola to provide a basis for business, which would promote economic growth in Angola. 
4.200.  We are seeing that Angola continued the efforts to liberalize and facilitate trade such as 
starting the operation of risk management in customs procedures. We support Angola’s commitment of its further liberalization and pursuing for sustainability. However, we encourage Angola to improve some areas such as SPS, TBT, and import licensing regime.  
4.201.  Now, I would like to touch upon our bilateral trade relationship. Angola is our largest 
trading partner in Africa. The relationship was dominated by energy and related products. We hope that bilateral trade would grow more balanced in the future.  
4.202.  Finally, we would like to reiterate our hope that Angola will continue its efforts in 
diversifying its export products and modernization in order to benefit from the multilateral trading WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  system. We encourage Angola to pursue the challenge of diversification, with an emphasis on good 
governance. 
MOZAMBIQUE 4.203.  The delegation of Mozambique aligns wi th the statements presented by some of the 
previous speakers, and would like to recognize the great efforts and hard work done and in 
progress, by the Government of Angola, aiming at consolidating the peace and reconciliation in the country, one of the basic and fundamental pre-cond itions for trade and business to flourish; and 
for the promotion of favourable environment for economic development. 
4.204.  Mozambique notes with satisfaction that the Government of Angola embarked upon various 
processes of adoption of policies and strategies , aiming at implementing reforms and programmes 
towards development, mindful that the referred reforms are crucial and necessary in the context of 
efforts designed to bring solutions to the enormous economic and social structural challenges.  
4.205.  Political, historical and cultural ties, main tain our two peoples in a brotherhood and friendly 
atmosphere, inspiring for progressive economic linkages that are flourishing gradually. 
4.206.  My delegation is pleased to see encouraging progress in the productive sphere, 
development of the family–run agriculture, food an d nutrition security, research and technological 
development, rural development, as well as the fostering of the commercial agriculture, despite 
the falls of the oil market prices. 
4.207.  From the report, we note that one of the most positive elements is the fact that the 
referred actions in progress have been being undertaken, taking always into consideration the maintenance of the sustainability of the natural resources. 
4.208.  The strategic objectives 1, 2, 3 and 4, defined for the agrarian sector, are of crucial 
relevance for the structural transformation of the country’s economy, including all the actions carried out all over the economic sectors, includin g the tertiary; which implementation will impact 
on the domain of exports of Angola and influe nce in speeding up the processes of economic 
development and graduation of the country to a middle income. 
4.209.  We are aware of the formidable challeng es faced by this country in many areas of 
development, especially infrastructure, poverty eradication and others, that constitute limitative 
elements to the country’s development potential.  
4.210.  Even though, we are encouraged by all the actions being carried out by the Government 
such as, Policies, Strategies, reforms as well as programmes for industrialization and 
diversification of the Angola’s economy, from which the Development Strategy 2025, PLANG and 
PROFIR and others, can be used as good practices, on the focus of job creation, diversification of economy and in the gradual substitution of imports.  
4.211.  My delegation commends the country for progressively revising trade laws in view to 
strengthen them aiming at adjusting them to the evolving trading system, notably through the development of a wide range of regulations in different fields, as well as in taking actions in view 
to help infant industries to flourish. 
4.212.  Our point of view is that Angola needs be assisted, through provision of technical 
assistance and capacity building, so as to be helped in building the necessary and required 
capacity for development, and be able to continuously participate in the world economy as well as 
in the implementation of its duties within the various organisations to which is affiliated as 
Member, such as WTO. 
4.213.  We are confident that the country will succeed in the implementation of reforms and 
national development policies; that we encourage continuation, as necessary for consolidating the 
country’s engagement in the regional initiatives and programmes, as well as on activities that may help to contribute to the attainment of the existi ng national aspirations. We appreciate Angola’s 
active role in the regional and multilateral trading arrangements. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  4.214.  To conclude, we encourage all the efforts aiming at diversifying the economy, investment 
in a variety of infrastructures for industry, transport, tourism and other services areas, as well as in all the potential areas for the country’s development. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  ANGOLA AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
5.1.  On behalf of the Angolan delegation, I would like to express our gratitude for the positive and 
constructive comments, support and encouragement from the WTO Members during this review of trade policy. Although many issues raised in verbal statements are accordingly supported in our 
written responses, we recognize that Members may present some additional comments in their 
particular areas of interest. 
5.2.  I take this opportunity to thank the Pres ident of the Session for his clairvoyant form of 
conducting our activities, my thankfulness to His Excellency Ambassador Mr Xavier Carim, from 
South Africa, for his brilliant and synthetic presentation of the two reports inherent to this exercise. 
5.3.  Additionally, the words of appreciation goes  to the WTO Secretariat, to the Angolan team in 
Geneva, particularly to our Ambassador for his outstanding commitment and institutional support, 
which made it possible in real time, the treatment of the processing to the WTO, and also to the 
great team that accompanies me, the Government Observers and other Observer Organizations 
such as the IMF, the World Bank for its given assistance and cooperation, which allowed the 
presentation of this exam without any constraints. 
5.4.  The Angolan Government has been implementing the program of accelerated diversification 
of the economy based on priority clusters, which in oriented-approach, indeed are leveraging the 
Angolan economy, thus representing the major challenges and stake of the Government for the development of the non-oil sectors. 
5.5.  Mega clusters of mineral resources, base d on mining, ornamental stones, iron, gold and 
diamond, etc. 
 The Cluster of Petroleum and natural gas, based on crude oil and natural gas production and 
other derivatives; 
 The Cluster of food and agro-industry, fo cused on food and agribusiness industries, 
constituting a priority in the medium-term (2013-2017) and long-term program (2025); 
 The Forest Cluster, focusing on wood, furniture and paper; 
 The Clusters of water, cross-feature that is a factor of production for the development of the 
Angolan economy; 
 The Habitat Cluster, asset aimed at construction of housing and related infrastructure; 
 The Clusters of textile, clot hing and footwear, consisting of two targeted programmes; 
 The tourism and leisure Clusters, recovery and enhancement of touristic demand; 
 The transport and logistics clusters, based on the construction of transport and logistical 
infrastructure (railways, logistics units, airports, logistics platforms and others). 
5.6.  Based on the presentation of the exam on 22 September 2015, including both the summary 
report by the discussant and the statement of His Excellency President of the Session and taking 
into account the recommendations of the Member States, we would like to clarify that many of the 
issues raised have been already responded and sent beforehand by the Angolan Government, 
though, my delegation continues to receive questions outside the time limits set by the Organization. 
5.7.  However, with Your Excellency permission, I shall provide some pertinent clarification, in 
order to dissipate some of the queries raised by the Member States. 
5.8.  With regards to the business environment, it  is to be noted that significant improvements 
have been observed, including the following examples: WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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   Commercial License, which even from your home you can, via online, have access to the 
Integrated System of Commercial Activities (S ILAC), completely non-bureaucratic process, 
with time limits of 3-8 days. 
 Creation of the Integrated Foreign Trade System (SICOEX), which simplifies the activity of 
the importer as well as of the exporter. This sy stem operates in a network, with the central 
bank and the General Tax Administration (AGT). 
 On the extent of the Trade Facilitation, which includes the technical assistance of UNCTAD 
(United Nation Conference on Trade and Deve lopment) the implementation in Angola of 
Asysuda World System, is in progress, which we believe will simplify the whole process of customs clearance.  
 Creation throughout the country of One- stop Shop for setting up businesses; 
 Creation of a Single Window with a digital platform of the investor and exporter, in a “One 
stop service" rationale. 
 Creation of a One-stop shop for the Entreprene ur, integrated unit for the establishment of 
micro, small and medium enterprises. 
 Creation of seven tax regions and border customs offices. 
 Creation of integrated logistics platforms. 
 Construction of Angola railways to facilitate regional integration. 
 Enhanced mechanisms for VISA issuing in a simplified and effective manner. The Angolan 
Government has been celebrating bilateral agreements on VISA facilitation as occurred with Brazil, Portugal and France. 
5.9.  The Private Investment Law, recently approved and the creation of the Agency for 
Investment Promotion and Export of Angola (APIEX ), comes to boost ever more the attraction of 
foreign direct investment. However the Angola investment chart, to be published shortly, will 
introduce in greater detail the priorities of  investment, by sectors and by provinces. 
5.10.  The creation of Economic Development Zones and the Integrated Industries Poles in 
strategic areas. 
5.11.  With relation to Public Enterprises or companies, concern of many Member States, the 
recently created capital market will open a new financing channel to the Angolan economy through the investment securities portfolio and will be a strategic pillar of promoting transparency of 
corporate governance and improvement of the bu siness environment, which will spread to the 
entire business landscape, by the effect of the so called market discipline. 
5.12.  Concerning the transfer of capital and repatr iation of profits and dividends overseas, it is a 
right granted to foreign investors under the Private Investment Law and the Law of Commercial 
Societies: the Central Bank adopted policies aimed at adjusting the fiscal accounts, the balance of 
the monetary and foreign exchange markets as well as the search for new forms of external finance, in particular in international financial markets. 
5 . 1 3 .   I t  s h o u l d  b e  n o t e d  a l s o  t h a t  A n g o l a  i s  a  m e m b e r  o f  M I G A  -  M u l t i l a t e r a l  I n v e s t m e n t  
Guarantee Agency, and recently an investment in the industry sector was targeted of MIGA support. 
5.14.  With regards to sanitary and phytosanitary measures, the Angolan Government created the 
National Council for Quality Control and its respective regulation as well as approved a Presidential 
Decree No. 275/2011 of 28 October, on mandatory la boratorial analysis of import goods and of 
national production on the part of importers/exporters and producers. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  5.15.  It approved the Joint Executive Decree No. 273/2013 on post prices of the laboratory 
analysis of imported goods and of domestic production. 
5.16.  The National Committee of CODEX Alimentarius (CODEX) Angola continues to ensure the 
coordination of activities relating to the adoption of sanitary and phytosanitary measures in 
Angola. 
Notifications 5.17.  With respect to notifications of the le gal instruments and commercial practices of our 
country that focus on international trade relations as well as the adequacy of the internal 
legislation to the norms and principles of the WTO, Angola welcomes the observations made by the different delegations and shall endeavour to over come the persisting difficulties, and therefore 
consider as being fundamental the possibility for a technical assistance from the WTO and other 
bilateral and multilateral development partners. 
5.18.  On behalf of the Angolan Government, it is indispensable to formulate a deep gratitude to 
His Excellency President of the Republic, Engineer José Eduardo dos Santos, for the wise 
leadership in guiding the completion of the second Exam of the Commercial Policy of Angola, 
highlighting the high level of transpar ency and good governance. Thank you. 
DISCUSSANT 
5.19.  Thank you very much Mr Chairman. There is nothing much to add except to extend very 
sincere congratulations to the Minister and to the delegation for the very positive and constructive participation in this second Trade Policy Review of Angola. 
5.20.  I think we all benefitted from the excellent report prepared by the Government of Angola, 
there is a lot of very useful information and everyone would be grateful for the comprehensive 
responses to the very many questions that have been posed by Members. The Membership itself 
would be gratified by that. 
5.21.  It is only for me to wish the Angolan delegation, the Angolan Government and the Angolan 
people well in continuing to pursue the social economic development. The plans are well established and we wish them well, particularly in respect of their economic diversification 
objectives. 
5.22.  The challenges Angola faces with respect to economic diversification are similar to those 
faced in Africa and a broad strategic set of work programmes is aimed at structural transformation. There is a great deal of potential force for strengthening collaboration across the 
African continent to address the common problems. 
5.23.  I wish you very well and thank you for the op portunity to be a discussant in this TPR. Thank 
you. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
5.24.  The EU would like to thank Angola for the replies it has provided to the EU's questions and 
the presentation this morning with further clarific ation of some of the doubts raised by Members. 
We have read the answers submitted by Angola wi th great interest and we feel that the TPR has 
been very instructive.  
5.25.  As noted last Tuesday by several Members, Angola needs to make additional efforts to 
improve its business environment. Some of these efforts have been listed today. 
5.26.  The EU will follow closely the works of the Government and would like to underline that 
improving the business environment requires also  the effective implementation of the various 
policy initiatives and plans that will be adopted by the Government in the future.  WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  5.27.  The EU has submitted a couple of follow-up questions for better understanding certain 
aspects of Angola investment law and of the "special controls" applicable to the import and export of live fish and fishing boats and l ooks forward to reading the replies.  
CAP
 VERT 
5.28.  J'ai le plaisir de saluer l'Honorable Ministre du commerce de l'Angola, son Excellence Rosa 
Escórcio Pacavira de Matos, et sa distinguée dé légation à cet exercice d'examen des politiques 
commerciales du pays et la remercier et féliciter pour les présentations faites. 
5.29.  Nous estimons que dans le courant du pr ésent examen, l'Angola a reçu de ses partenaires 
nombre de contributions positives aux efforts de perfectionnement des politiques du pays et qu'elle les a accueillies avec ouverture. 
5.30.  La délégation angolaise a, pour sa part, fourni dans son intervention initiale et celle 
d'aujourd'hui, des éclaircissements et compléments d'informations importants, et présenté des 
perspectives qui confirment la volonté de son Gouvernement d'œuvrer pour une trajectoire continue et bénéfique du processus d'intégration du pays dans l'économie internationale et le 
système multilatéral du commerce. 
5.31.  Ceci viendra certainement aider à renforcer les chances de succès des politiques et mesures 
en cours par les autorités de l'Angola. En fait, le parcours constaté depuis le premier examen de 
l'Angola, et en particulier dans sa dernière moitié, nous rend compte d'une dynamique en place 
dans le pays oú la quête du développement gagne par rapport à celle de la croissance tout court, débouchant en de meilleurs services aux citoyens, la modernisation multiforme des instruments de gestion de l'économie, y inclues les importantes réformes fiscale et monétaire, et une forte chute 
de l'inflation. 
5.32.  Par ailleurs, les autorités angolaises ont décidé de mettre l'accent sur la diversification de 
l'économie du pays, y inclue son industrialisation et lancé les jalons pour entreprendre ses 
objectifs à terme. 
5.33.  Le potentiel ouvert par l'actuelle stratégie de développement dans les différents domaines 
et l'espace d'investissement qu'elle implique à cet effet, sont énormes et citons, entre autres, les 
infrastructures, l'agriculture et la pêche. En particulier pour ces deux derniers, une chaîne de 
marché interne et des opportunités de commerce international auront certainement un rôle crucial à jouer et portent d'ores et déjà une promesse de contribution significative au développement rural et la lutte contre la pauvreté. 
5.34.  L'Angola a signalé les difficultés et les retards encore existants dans la mise en œuvre de 
certains des Accords de l'OMC et le besoin qu'a son administration d'une assistance technique afin de relever ce défi. Dans son rapport, le Gouverne ment a d'ailleurs spécifié ses priorités en cette 
matière et plusieurs autres. 
5.35.  Cap Vert estime qu'un cadre a été ainsi établit pour orienter la poursuite de la prestation de 
coopération de la part de l'OMC et de la communauté internationale et nous souhaitons encourager 
cette coopération en vue des bénéfices qu'elle apportera aussi bien à l'Angola qu'à l'ensemble de 
ses partenaires internationaux de commerce. 
5.36.  Je termine en augurant le meilleur succès aux efforts de l'Angola en vue d'un progrès 
soutenu pour le développement du pays et de ses politiques commerciales en particulier. 
LESOTHO
 ON BEHALF  OF THE AFRICAN  GROUP 
5.37.  It is a great pleasure for me on behalf of  the African Group to congratulate the Minister De 
Matos for her wonderful presentation and the responses given in this TPR. It is equally gratifying to 
note that despite the challenges posed by the setb acks in the major sectors as the oil and energy 
there has been progress and, more importantly, re forms in other areas. And, of course, there are 
the opportunities that are posed in the agricultural sector which has a lot of potential. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  5.38.  I would also want to congratulate the high-powered Geneva-based delegation that, of 
course, is very participative and is very instrumental in all facets of international Geneva. 
5.39.  We wish the Republic of Angola well in thei r acceleration of efforts, on top of the progress 
that has already been made, in a courageous room  of efforts following the second TPR which will 
include the suggestions that have been put forward in other areas that have to be attended too as 
elaborated in the course of today's discussion in this TPR. 
5.40.  Progress by the Republic of Angola as a major driver in the regional trade arrangements 
which process dovetails with the continental free trade area is good for Africa and, indeed, for the 
multilateral trading system. Therefore, we are look ing forward to supporting Angola in its efforts to 
make progress in its viably economy.  
5.41.  We would like to conclude our remarks by  saying that the other day I was unable, due to 
the extensive list of delegations wanting to make  interventions, to welcome the Minister and her 
delegation in Geneva. But all is well that ends well in the sense that we have had benefit of the responses, of the interventions made and we are gr atified to see that there are prospects of good 
success in the Angolan economy, especially given the efforts that have been put down by the 
Government. And we wish Angola well. WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  The second Trade Policy Review of Angola has provided us with a good opportunity to assess 
the evolution of its socio-economic, trade and inve stment policies since its last Review in 2006; we 
now have a better understanding of the challenges  Angola is facing. The review has benefitted 
from the constructive and informative participation of the large Angolan delegation, headed by 
H.E. Dr Rosa Escórcio Pacavira De Matos, Minister of Trade; the insightful comments by the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Xavier Carim, Permanen t Representative of South Africa to the WTO; 
and the numerous enriching interventions by Memb ers. Members appreciated Angola's responses 
to some 130 advance written questions, and look forward to answers to any outstanding questions 
no later than one month after this meeting. 
6.2.  Members commended Angola on its impressive recovery from its civil war and on its 
economic performance that has put it on track to graduate from LDC status. Economic growth has 
been supported by significant public investment in infrastructure (including utilities) and by high world prices for its main exports, crude oil and to a lesser extent diamonds. However, growth has 
slowed down since 2009 due to a less favourable international environment. Accordingly, Members 
enquired about the expected negative impact of the recent drop in international oil prices on social and economic performance indicators, and about the steps being taken to address it.  
6.3.  Noting that Angola's dependence on oil renders its economy highly vulnerable to external 
shocks, Members encouraged it to continue with its diversification efforts by identifying sectors of promising growth. On the business environment,  Members praised Angola for the steps already 
taken but expressed concerns about its restrictions on payment transfers, its visa issuance system, 
and its opaque regulatory and investment procedur es. They also enquired about Angola's plans to 
establish a one-stop shop for administrative procedures. 
6.4.  Members commended Angola on its active participation in the WTO. They sought details 
about Angola's involvement in various bilateral and regional trade liberalization initiatives. The 
recent adoption of several trade facilitation measures by Angola, including the elimination of pre-shipment inspection and the revamp of fiscal administrations, was generally welcomed. 
Members encouraged Angola to submit its Category A notification and ratify the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. Members also urged Angola to submit other outstanding notifications on, inter alia, SPS, TBT, subsidies and state-trading enterprises,  with a view to further improving transparency. 
Some Members pointed out that technical assistance may be beneficial for Angola to better 
implement the WTO Agreements. 
6.5.  Members noted that Angola had also implemented a number of measures aimed at import 
substitution. Its applied tariff rates have been significantly increased and range from 2% to 50%, 
with a simple average of 10.9% (up from 7.4% in 2005). Members urged Angola to rectify the 
instances where applied tariff rates and other duti es and charges exceed the corresponding bound 
levels. Several Members invited Angola to clarify the status of its recent Decree on import quotas, 
which is yet to be implemented. In lieu of import substitution, Members suggested that Angola 
reduce production costs through lower import tariffs on inputs and further trade facilitation measures with a view to enhancing competitiveness and promoting local production. 
6.6.  Members welcomed Angola's new mining code and sought information about opportunities for 
foreign operators. Clarifications were sought about Angola's agricultural policy aiming at food 
security and about the sustainability of its fisheries sector. Some participants enquired Angola's plans to broaden its GATS commitments beyond it s three existing sectors. Members were also 
interested in the Government’s priorities regarding, inter alia, competition policy, SPS and TBT 
regimes, and state-trading and state-owned enterprise s. Noting that Angola’s intellectual property 
regime had not been substantially updated since 1992, Members urged the country to effectively 
implement the TRIPS Agreement and to broaden its participation in international conventions on 
intellectual property. 
6.7.  This second Review of Angola's trade policies and practices is timely. I am certain that Angola 
will take into account the results of this Review to further develop its economic and trade policies 
with a view to enhancing competitiveness and addressing current difficulties and future challenges. 
The large number of advance written questions and of delegations that took the floor during our two days of discussions highlight the interest Members attach to Angola's trade and related WT/TPR/W/90 • Angola 
 
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  policies. I urge all Members to strengthen thei r support to Angola’s development and reform 
efforts. 
6.8.  In closing, I would like to thank Minister Ro sa Escórcio Pacavira De Matos and the rest of the 
delegation from Luanda, Ambassador Xavier Carim as discussant, the Members, the Secretariat, 
and the interpreters for their contributions to the second Trade Policy Review of Angola.  
__________