LUANDA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese-built commercial complex in Angola's capital, Luanda, officially opened to the public on Friday, adding new retail and service options to the city.
The Luanda Outlets Commercial City, constructed by China Railway 20 Bureau Group, was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by Angolan officials, including Milton Reis, economic adviser to the Angolan president, and Jorge Miguens Augusto, vice governor for economic affairs of Luanda province.
Chinese Ambassador to Angola Zhang Bin said at the event that the completion and opening of the commercial complex represent another outcome of China-Angola economic and trade cooperation and a concrete example of China-Africa cooperation in advancing modernization. He said the project reflects Chinese enterprises' confidence in the long-term development prospects of the Angolan market.
Speaking on behalf of the Luanda governor, Augusto said the opening of the complex marked an important milestone in the province's economic and social development. He said that the project reflects investor confidence in Angola's economic potential and is expected to create thousands of jobs, including nearly 3,000 direct positions.
According to project information, the commercial complex represents a total investment of more than 60 million U.S. dollars and covers a built-up area of more than 70,000 square meters, with more than 200 planned retail outlets. The facility integrates commercial, cultural and leisure functions to serve local residents and support business activity. ■