By Daniel Hunter

More than 20 companies are hoping to tap into new trade opportunities by taking part in UKTI’s largest ever trade mission to Angola.

On the back of the recent High-Level Partnership between the UK and Angola, signed in June by Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) London is running the trade mission so firms can explore opportunities in one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.

Headed by the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Lord Marland, the mission will give 20 firms from London and across the country an insight into the market and a chance to meet potential customers and business partners in this lucrative emerging market.

In the last ten years, Angola has experienced an average of almost 12 per cent per year growth in GDP, much of it from its rich oil and gas reserves. It is an important trade partner for UK companies and exports to Angola have increased year on year, with the annual total currently in excess of £600 million.

Jonathan Alms, UKTI International Trade Adviser, who will lead the London delegation, said: “In spite of commonly-held misconceptions about Angola, it remains one of Africa’s fastest growing economies with huge opportunities for UK businesses in all industries.

"As well as the obvious ones offered by the oil and gas sector, there is also plenty of potential in the education and training, energy, financial services and transport sectors.

"In light of the recent trade partnership between our two countries, the time is right for London firms to explore the opportunities in this exciting and diverse market as it develops after the end of the civil war in 2002.

"It is my hope that the visit will build the reputation of British companies in this relatively new market and will help cement the trade partnership between our two countries.”

The visit will seek to strengthen bilateral trade between the UK and Angola and build the presence of UK firms across a number of key sectors.

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