The gradual process of industrialisation will enable competitive import substitution and allow Angola to become an exporting country, Secretary of State for Industry, Kiala Gabriel, said in Luanda.

Mr Gabriel added that growth of the industrial sector had the additional advantages of creating jobs and offering products to the market, Angop news agency reports.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of four new companies, as part of the 16th anniversary of the Viana Industrial Development Park. Mr Gabriel pointed out that the industrial park is already home to more than 100 industrial units.

The biggest return on investment is the creation of jobs, the reduction of imports and making Angola a competitive economy, Mr Gabriel was quoted saying.

The industrial park is for development of industrial projects in Luanda. There are currently over 500 companies operating at the hub in the fields of light industry, transport, trade, construction and services.