An economic summit of the Portuguese-speaking African countries (known as PALOPs) will be held this coming 17 July in Luanda, the head of the event’s organising committee, Francisco Viana, said on Tuesday in the Angolan capital.

The one-day economic forum takes place amid commemorations of the 10th anniversary of the business confederation of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). Its aim is to promote a stronger African business class and develop cooperation between public and private economic players in Africa and in other world markets such as the European Union and the BRICs.

The participants will consider topics associated to political independence, training for micro, small and medium-sized companies ‘Made in Africa’, internationalisation strategy and financial instruments to support African entrepreneurs, opportunities and constraints.

Cited by the Angop news agency, Viana said the PALOP Business Confederation would be established on the 16th of this month. It will be based in Luanda and have the mission of strengthening the African business class.

The confederation will comprise business associations representing the private sector of the PALOPs as well as Equatorial Guinea. (macauhub/AO/CV/GW/MZ/ST)