Doing Business in Luanda
Today, Angola is a country having one of the fastest growing economies. Due to the oil boom, the country has billions of dollars in money but a shortage of expertise and materials. Thus, the present time is the best for doing business in Luanda, the capital of Angola. Many of the companies present in Angola rightly think that to make money, now is the proper time to be in the country. Many opportunities for medium and small businesses are available in the country in the areas of water management, technology and high technology. Business opportunities are also available in logistics and doing improvements in the country’s harbours.
Though there are many trade agents available, they do not always help in getting touch with the right people. Thus, if you want to do business in the country you should create your own base in Luanda. Before starting business, you should visit the country a few times first and take time to decide who your partners will be. You will have to think long term to be successful in doing business in the country and because of the many needs available in the country, you will be able to do business easily.
Some of the points which should be noted before visiting Luanda for business are.
i) As the flights and hotels to Luanda are most of the time booked in advance, you have to do your bookings quite early.
ii) you should always carry cash in U.S dollars as the use of credit cards are limited at most places including hotels.
iii) Few taxies are available in Luanda or its airports. Thus it is better to arrange for a transport before arriving in the city.
iv) A business visa procedure takes a week and requires several things, including an invitation letter from a contact in Angola. So be properly informed on the procedures of obtaining a via for the country by visiting the website’s Consular Affairs pages.
After visiting Luanda, the following points are necessary to follow for doing business.
i) Most of the time, agreements are only made when personal relation has been established in the late phases of negotiations. Thus you have to take time for socializing after visiting Luanda.
ii) During the first business meetings Angolans are generally formal. So you have to dress formally during these meetings.
iii) Though corruption and bureaucracy have diminished largely in the country, you have to always remember that they haven’t disappeared completely.
iv) Most of the people of Angola speak Portuguese and a very few people can speak English. Thus it is advised to use Portuguese or to get a translator for correspondence during the meetings.
v) Before sending emails you should directly communicate with the people through phone.