Angolan parliament president praises China's legislative model, civic engagement

Angola's National Assembly President Adao de Almeida has praised China's legislative model, saying citizen participation gives parliamentary decisions broader legitimacy and better serves public interests.

De Almeida made the remarks during an interview with China Media Group (CMG) as part of his China trip from Sept. 9 to 16. While in Shanghai on Sept. 15, he toured the Hongqiao Street grassroots legislative contact point and a local practice station for whole-process people's democracy, learning about how public opinions are collected and legislative suggestions are adopted.

"We have learned in more detail about how China's legislative system operates and how citizens participate in the legislative process. As a parliamentary institution, if we can involve citizens in parliamentary affairs and decision-making, we can give relevant decisions a broader legitimacy basis and more fully reflect the representativeness of citizens. Because the decisions made and laws passed in this way can better fit the interests of citizens and respond to their demands," said De Almeida.

Turning to China's major legislative milestones, including its Civil Code and new Ecological Environment Code, De Almeida highlighted how strong regulatory frameworks drive modernization.

"China's progress in modernization and digital transformation demonstrates institutional advantages, complete values, development vision and strong execution. Undoubtedly, regulatory mechanisms are a crucial, indispensable and decisive part of this system. Modernization is closely related to digitalization and digital transformation. We are all witnessing the world's evolution in this field, and China is at the forefront of this process," he said.

He added that it is commendable to ensure that modernization and social transformation follow ethical standards and uphold common human values through specific regulatory measures.

"The same applies to environmental legislation. Environmental protection and climate change are perhaps among the most important issues today, determining the present and future of human society. A country like China, actively committed to environmental protection under the multilateral framework, has set an example for major countries to participate in multilateral cooperation and assume their due responsibilities," said De Almeida.

Angolan parliament president praises China's legislative model, civic engagement

Angola is committed to removing obstacles and opening more doors for Chinese investment to support its economic diversification, according to Adao de Almeida, president of the country's National Assembly.

De Almeida led a parliamentary delegation to Beijing from September 9 to 16 at the invitation of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC). Speaking in an exclusive interview with China Media Group, he noted that Angola’s parliament plays a direct role in approving bilateral treaties and safeguarding cross-border investments.

"The government is the most directly involved and maintains the closest contact with Chinese companies. The Angolan government has already taken a series of measures in this regard. The bilateral investment agreement between Angola and China is now in force. Whenever a formal agreement or treaty requires parliamentary approval, the National Assembly becomes directly involved," said Adao de Almeida.

"We have always stood at the forefront of efforts to strengthen relations between Angola and China and safeguard the interests of both sides. Across Angola's institutional framework, every institution is working to create a better business environment. Chinese companies have also recognized this favorable environment. Hundreds of Chinese companies are now operating, manufacturing and investing in Angola, where they have established local branches. Some have maintained a presence in the country for many years," said the parliament president.

Chinese companies have been building landmark infrastructure projects in Angola, including the Caculo-Cabaca Hydropower Station, the Luachimo Hydroelectric Power Station and the Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport.

"Angola is actively advancing economic diversification, and Chinese companies are contributing to that process. Today, many Chinese companies are active in processing industries, infrastructure development, metallurgy and other sectors. We will open up more room and remove further obstacles for Chinese companies operating and conducting trade in Angola," he said.

Angola backs Chinese investment to drive economic diversification