The Angolan President asked the new Minister of Economy and Planning, Victor Hugo Guilherme, for a “commitment” to organizing and structuring the economy to reduce imports and create more jobs for youth.
“The economy is something that is fundamental to us. All our work, all our struggle is aimed at organizing our economy as best as possible, diversifying sources of income and seeking to produce more and more goods and services within the country,” João said. Lourenco today at the inauguration ceremony of the new minister.
The head of state noted that the work to organize the Angolan economy is also aimed at reducing imports and increasing exports, “as well as providing more and more jobs,” especially for young people.
“Therefore, this is the main mission of the executive branch. It is to better organize and better structure our economy,” he emphasized.
Victor Hugo Guilherme, who served as Angolan Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs, was appointed to the position on Wednesday, replacing Mario Caetano João, who had held the post since 2021.
João Lourenço also swore in the new Minister of Environment, Yuri Walter de Sousa Santos.
“When it comes to the economy and the environment, we very much count on your knowledge, on your commitment,” he addressed the newly appointed candidates.
Speaking about the environment and specifically addressing the Secretary of State, the President recalled his participation in the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).
“There is a consensus that our planet is threatened by the excesses of people, industries that are, in essence, people, people. We are feeling the consequences of these excesses that we have been doing for many years, perhaps even centuries, harming the environment,” he said.
Angola’s new Minister of Economy and Planning is the fifth official to serve in João Lourenço’s government since 2017.
Speaking to reporters, Victor Hugo Guilherme promised to “bring continuity” to current actions in the sector, highlighting “three main instruments”, namely the Angola Long-Term Strategy until 2050, the National Development Plan for 2023-2027 and the recently approved state budget. for 2024.
“Priorities have been set, especially agriculture, to generate income and provide employment because the national economy faces great challenges and we are here to work and do our best,” a government official said.
In addition to Mario Caetano Joao, who was sacked on Wednesday, the position is already occupied by Pedro Luis da Fonseca (2017-2019), Manuel Neto da Costa (2019-2020) and Sergio Santos (2020-2021).
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.