2018年-查塔姆研究所_Angola_Fact_Sheet_5页_128kb

Angola Fact Sheet Summary

Core Content

This document provides an overview of Angola-UK relations, focusing on diplomacy, aid, trade, and conclusion. It is a Programme Paper published by Chatham House in 2009, authored by Alex Vines, Director of Regional and Security Studies and Head of the Africa Programme. The document outlines the UK's engagement with Angola and highlights key developments in the bilateral relationship.

Main Points

Angola-UK Relations

• Lord Malloch-Brown's Visit (2009): The visit to Luanda in June 2009 marked the first British ministerial visit to Angola since 2003. It was significant as the UK aimed to re-engage with Angola, which was building more diverse international partnerships.
• Angola's International Role: Angola holds several important international positions, including being the president of OPEC, Chair of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, and a member of the UN Human Rights Commission.
• Limited Bilateral Engagement: Despite being labeled strategic for British energy needs in 2005, UK-Angola relations have been limited, with British officials having restricted access to Angolan policy makers.
• Diplomatic Ties: The UK opened its embassy in Luanda in 1978. Angola has maintained an embassy in London since the 1980s. High-level Angolan officials, including President dos Santos, have visited the UK multiple times.
• Parliamentary Engagement: The Angola Forum at Chatham House has become a key platform for research and policy analysis on Angola. It also supports the All Party Parliamentary Group on Angola, which has visited Angola in 2003 and 2006.

Aid

• Historical Aid: The UK provided £48 million in assistance to Angola between 1993 and 2000, with a peak of £13.5 million in 1993/94.
• Development Programmes: The Luanda Urban Poverty Programme (LUPP) was a major development initiative, focusing on democratic planning and management of basic services for the urban poor.
• DFID Support: From 2003 to 2006, DFID's Angola programme was valued at £9 million annually. In 2007-2008, DFID supported Angola through both bilateral and regional aid, totaling £6 million.
• Electoral Support: DFID provided £1 million for an electoral education project in support of Angola's 2008 legislative elections and plans to support future elections.
• Demining Aid: DFID provided £750,000 annually for demining until 2009.
• Programme Closure: The DFID office in Luanda was closed in March 2009, with all activities now managed from the Pretoria office as part of the southern Africa programme.

Trade

• Oil-Related Trade: The majority of UK-Angola trade is related to the oil and gas sector. UK exports to Angola are mainly for oil-related goods.
• Trade Statistics (2003–2007):
  • 2003: £103.7m exports, £9.8m imports
  • 2004: £119.3m exports, £9.9m imports
  • 2005: £158.3m exports, £15.0m imports
  • 2006: £206.3m exports, £16.0m imports
  • 2007: £273.5m exports, £154.5m imports
• Key UK Companies: British companies such as BP, British Airways, Compass Group, and De La Rue operate in Angola. Crown Agents has played a role in reforming customs operations in Luanda.
• Credit Line Reopened (2009): The UK government reopened its credit line for exports to Angola, with a value of up to US$70 million for private investments.

Conclusion

• Strategic Importance: Angola is a major destination for UK oil and gas investment and plays a significant role in southern and central Africa.
• Future Prospects: The UK aims to re-engage with Angola to support its international partnerships and enhance bilateral relations.

Key Information

• Angola's Role: Angola is a key player in OPEC and regional organizations.
• UK Engagement: The UK's diplomatic and aid engagement has been limited, with a focus on energy and development.
• Trade Dynamics: Trade is heavily oil-dependent, with significant UK exports to Angola.
• Customs Reform: Crown Agents contributed to significant improvements in customs efficiency in Luanda.
• NGOs and Education: Several UK-based NGOs continue to work in Angola, and there are ongoing educational and language training initiatives.

Summary

The document highlights the strategic importance of Angola for the UK, particularly in the oil and gas sector, and outlines the limited but evolving bilateral relationship. It details the diplomatic, aid, and trade interactions between the two countries, noting the role of Chatham House in fostering engagement and the impact of customs reforms on trade. The reopening of the UK's credit line in 2009 signals a renewed interest in Angola's economic development.