Formed in 1992 to offer commercial and marketing services, the Cacofil Group has matured into a transnational company with offices across Angola in Benguela, Luanda, Lubango and Huambo.

Six years ago, the company opened an office in Guangzhou in China's Guangdong province. This was a major step toward internationalizing the company's activities and beginning its global growth.

The establishment of the Guangzhou branch is a source of pride for Cacofil, said Gonalves Anbal Rodrigues, chairman of Cacofil Group.

"We have internationalized our presence by going to China, and this shows just how greatly we value the relationship with the Chinese," Rodrigues said.

He said he understands the importance of being in China, which not only facilitates the company's current operations but also paves the way for its future in Asia.

"China is turning into a huge economic power and within four or five years, we will be in there when it is the world economic power," he added.

A direct link between Angola and China makes good business sense, Rodrigues said.

Their decision to establish themselves in China was also born out of practicality.

In the run-up to the establishment of its China offices, Cacofil's executives made many trips to China to organize the direct importation of many different products - principally those needed for the construction industry.

By 2010, they were among the largest Angolan importers of goods from China.

The company has not only grown but has expanded its business to include more than imports. It has now gained an important foothold in the intermediary service market for Angolan and Chinese firms looking to work together.

This bridges a previously unfilled gap in the market, and Cacofil now acts as an agent for other Angolan companies looking to travel to or work with China.

"In our offices, we have Chinese employees who can help people with logistical issues if they are going to China, and we can also provide translation services," Rodrigues said.

The Cacofil Group includes renowned construction company Marfran, and Garfran, an established aluminum enterprise. The two have various ongoing projects in Lobito, Benguela and Huambo.

In addition to growing in Angola and increasing their business in China, Cacofil's other goal is to further expand in Africa. Rodrigues said he is confident about the company's bright future.

China Daily

(China Daily 02/29/2012 page37)