Chinese conglomerate CITIC Group expressed interest in strengthening co-operation with the Angolan government in the areas of public works during a courtesy meeting held on 16 March in Luanda between the Minister of Public Works, Urbanism and Housing, Carlos Alberto dos Santos, and the multinational's president, Xi Guohua, who is currently visiting Angola.

Operating in the country since 2007, the CITIC Group, through its subsidiary CITIC Construction, has been one of the main partners in this sector in Angola, taking part in the execution of several major infrastructure projects.

During the meeting, Minister Carlos Alberto dos Santos conveyed the government's interest in drawing on the Chinese group's experience in urban planning, housing and infrastructure construction, with particular focus on the expansion of the national road network.

In turn, CITIC Group President Xi Guohua reaffirmed that Angola is one of the company's most important partners on the African continent. The group, one of China's pioneering companies, currently operates in more than 125 countries.

(Source: Forbes África Lusofonia, on 17 March)