As the country continues its ongoing transformation, Angola's leaders are recognizing that investments in maritime transportation infrastructure are crucial to the nation's export-oriented economy.

To this end, the Port of Amboim plans to build a deepwater port to support the country's primary ports in Luanda and Lobito.

Located at nearly an equal distance from these two large and well-developed ports, Amboim has three clear objectives.

First, it aims to be an auxiliary port to the two primary ones, helping out where it can and servicing their overflow. Second, it seeks to open a central corridor for the country. Third, it ultimately aims to be a new gateway for central Africa.

Armando Ferramenta, chairman of the Amboim Port Company, said the port's main focus is to aid the development and diversification of Angola's economy.

"Our investment will mobilize resources, increase capacity and improve technology to help us reach our potential," he said.

Once the port is up and running, management said they are confident it can quickly become the country's third major port.

It has an advantageous location that enables it to support the growing momentum of the country's agricultural sector and mineral extraction industry.

The importance of this port is going to be felt across a wider area than just central Angola, Ferramenta said.

In addition to the 2 million inhabitants of the area near the port and the 8 million who live in the central belt of Angola, the port aims to be a gateway to the central African region, where there is a growing market for many types of services and industries.

On target to be ready in three years, the port can be an entry point for Chinese capital and goods, the port's chairman said.

www.portoamboim.com

China Daily

(China Daily 02/29/2012 page29)