On June 22, 2024, the groundbreaking and commencement ceremony for the first phase of the Angola Huatong Aluminum Industry Park, invested in and constructed by Hebei Huatong, was successfully held in the Aode Industrial Park located in Dande City, Bengo Province. This ceremony marked the official launch of the project.

Ambassador Zhang Bin of the Chinese Embassy in Angola, Angolan Ministry of Industry and Trade’s State Secretary for Industry Carlos, Chairman Zhang Wendong of Huatong Cable, Counselor Lu Yuzhong of the Chinese Embassy in Angola, Vice Governor Edson of Bengo Province, Chairman Yang Jijiang of Aode Industrial Park, President Pei Wenhua of the Angola China General Chamber of Commerce, President Kupelana of the Angola-China Chamber of Commerce, as well as representatives from Angolan government agencies and relevant business associations and enterprises attended the ceremony.

Ambassador Zhang stated in his address that the Chinese government supports companies in coming to Angola for investment and cooperation, actively participating in Angola’s economic diversification and industrialization process, creating more job opportunities and tax revenues, and cultivating technical talent for Angola. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and also the inaugural year of establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Angola. China is willing to work with Angola on the basis of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation to expand and strengthen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, bringing greater benefits to the peoples of both nations. He hoped that the Angolan government would further improve the investment environment and provide necessary support and conveniences to Chinese enterprises operating in Angola.

The first phase of the Huatong Angola Aluminum Industry Park project represents an investment scale of 250 million US dollars, with an annual production capacity of 120,000 tons of electrolytic aluminum. It is expected to be completed and put into operation in the second half of 2025.

In his address, Carlos Rodrigues, the State Secretary for Industry at the Angolan Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that industrial development is crucial for Angola to achieve economic diversification. The aluminum industry park invested in and constructed by Chinese enterprises will not only enhance Angola’s national industrial strength but also represents another significant milestone in economic cooperation between China and Angola.

Chairman Zhang Wendong of Huatong Cable welcomed the leaders and guests present and expressed his deepest gratitude to all friends from the government and society who have supported and cared about the Huatong Angola Aluminum Industry Park project. Chairman Zhang stated that today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks just the beginning of Huatong’s endeavors. By the end of next year, the first phase of the project will be operational, and within eight years, the “Aluminum Industry Park” will have taken initial shape. He emphasized that Huatong upholds integrity, respects Angolan laws and customs, and strictly adheres to the spirit of contract. It aims to seek development together with the Angolan government and people, as well as friends and partners, fostering long-term cooperation with all guests and friends to build a century-old Huatong characterized by integrity and contractual spirit.

Following the speeches, the leaders and guests present at the groundbreaking ceremony proceeded to the foundation stone. Together, they held golden shovels, symbolically lifting and placing soil to lay the foundation. They then moved on stage to cut the ribbon, officially inaugurating the start of construction for the Huatong Angola Aluminum Industry Park project.