China’s Ambassador to Angola, Zhang Bin, recently said that the commissioning of the Cristal Azul glass container factory marked a new milestone in economic and industrial co-operation between the two countries. The facility, operated by the Sino-Ord Group, is located in Barra do Dande, Bengo Province, Angola.

The project represents an investment of around US$45 million and will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, the facility will have a daily production capacity of approximately 800,000 glass bottles.

According to Liu Wende, Director-General of the Sino-Ord Industrial Park, production will initially target the Angolan market, with the aim of meeting growing demand for glass packaging in the beverage and food sectors. At a later stage, the company plans to export its products to other African countries, depending on market demand.

Zhang Bin noted that the development of the park was contributing to economic diversification and job creation. The complex currently employs 2,900 people, and its workforce is expected to exceed 5,000 by 2027 through the opening of new facilities and the expansion of existing ones.

(Source: Angola Press Agency, 20 July)