The Secretary of State for Economy, Ivan dos Santos, said yesterday, Monday the 8th, that Angola will considerably reduce the import of salt derivatives such as caustic soda, sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid, which annually cost State coffers 600 million US dollars
Government data, according to Ivan dos Santos, points to spending in excess of US$7 billion from public coffers just on the purchase of these salt derivatives. Ivan dos Santos, who was speaking during the signing of the transfer contract, within the scope of the Deutsche Bank credit line, highlighted that the installation of the first caustic soda factory in the country will also produce important products that will help in water purification, cleaning and iron industry.
In relation to monitoring projects, the person in charge said that the Development Bank of Angola (BDA) has developed a strategy that is often appreciated by the economic team committee. However, in addition to monitoring, it is necessary to see their impact on the lives of the population. “The Executive has turned its attention to projects that contribute to food security”, he highlighted.
In turn, the BDA representative, Patrícia de Almeida, said that the signing of the transfer contracts, within the scope of the Deutsche Bank credit line for the Salinas de Calombo and Alexandre’s House projects, are the realization of a dream, a firm step towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for Angola. With financing of more than 24.8 million euros, the first caustic soda, sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid factory is expected to open in the province of Benguela.
The Alexandre’s House project will benefit from credit in the order of 47 million euros, which represents progress for the fishing sector. The fishing warehouse will not only reinforce national food security, but will also create more than 200 direct jobs.
The infrastructure will be focused on supplying and assembling a warehouse for the reception, freezing and processing of fish in the municipality of Baia Farta. For the BDA, this initiative is a testament to the commitment to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the economy, as well as promoting specialized training to contribute to the significant improvement of health conditions.
Increased salt production
Businessman Adérito Areias said that, due to its marine potential, Angola has the conditions to manufacture caustic soda, sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid. For this reason, the province of Benguela will increase salt production and encourage young people to embrace the activity, adding that with the start-up of the caustic soda manufacturing unit it is the step towards reducing imports of these products and the annual expenditure of USD 600 million.
