HK has a pivotal role in building Sino-Angolan ties, says Cupertino Gourgel, Consul General of the Republic of Angola in HK.

Angola has plenty in terms of heritage, local culture and wildlife to appeal to those drawn by quaintness and exotica. It could be the distinctive 16th-century domed churches built by the first generation of Portuguese settlers or the heady nightlife in bars on Angola's sprawling beaches or even getting to see the rare Atlantic humpback dolphin.

"The Angolan Consulate in Hong Kong is open to anyone who wishes to visit the country," says Consul General (CG) Cupertino Gourgel, promising to process visa-related formalities fast and smooth. There's no harm in imagining that a tourist's first Angola experience is likely to be as enchanting as the first sip of the strong and flavorful Robusta coffee that the Consulate is trying to promote in Hong Kong.

Gourgel has held the CG's office in Hong Kong for four years. He agrees that the strategic importance of the city in building Sino-Angolan ties cannot be underestimated.

"China is a strategic partner for the development of Angola, with policy well-defined between both countries. Naturally, the Hong Kong SAR has a pivotal role in this accord," he says. "The Consulate General of Angola in Hong Kong facilitates engagement, as well as provides a gateway through which Angola is at the doorstep of the Hong Kong community."

Bilateral trade between Hong Kong - where some of the major Chinese companies doing business in or having trade ties with Angola are based - has multiplied by several folds in the last three to five years. As someone who had a ringside view of this spectacular growth, Gourgel attributes it to both the local consulate's efficiency as well as increased tourist traffic between Hong Kong and Angola.

"The role of the Consulate General is significant in encouraging and cultivating relations. We are available to answer any questions, facilitate dialogue and issue the travel visa," he says. "We are also very encouraged to observe growing numbers of Hong Kong residents traveling to Angola in the recent years. Therefore, it is the affirmative experiences and positive results that motivate continued growth."

Last year the administrators of Angolan state funds expressed a keenness to invest in Hong Kong's capital markets.

"Angola's Sovereign Wealth Fund is pursuing to diversify its portfolio with investments in industries and assets. Hong Kong capital markets offer immense versatility, as well as access into the Chinese market," says Gourgel.

"With investors from the Chinese mainland, the Fund is exploring projects both in Angola and the rest of Africa," he adds, outlining Hong Kong's key role in facilitating and contributing to yet another chapter of China-Angola partnership that looks very promising.

In view of the increased tourist and business-related traffic on both sides, Gourgel doesn't rule out the opening of a Luanda-Hong Kong direct air route in the near future.

More bright young people from Angola have touched down on Hong Kong's shores in the last five years than ever before. While Angolan students and professionals have received training in Hong Kong's institutes of higher learning, Angolan designer Allex Kangala has participated in Hong Kong Fashion Week and the dance group Batoto Yeto performed twice in the city.

CG Gourgel says the Consulate is keen to introduce Angolan cuisine to Hong Kong. "We are yet to see more African cuisine in Hong Kong. This is perhaps an opportunity for Angola," he says.

However, the Angolan cultural element that most resonates with Hong Kong's spirit, he says, is kizomba music, popular with the city's restaurants and clubs. "Many people are surprised to learn that its origin is in Angola," says Gourgel. "Nonetheless, we are very touched and impressed to see kizomba enchanting the people of Hong Kong."

(HK Edition 11/12/2015 page3)