Major Cities of Portuguese Speaking Countries

In recent years, the government of São Tomé and Príncipe has taken pro-active measures to improve the investment environment, attract foreign investment, construct highways and other infrastructure and develop actively tourism and seek for offshore oil development, which have helped to maintain the economy in steady growth.

São Tomé and Príncipe is an agricultural country that produce cocoa and other cash crops, 51% of the population is engaged in agricultural production. The main cash crop is cocoa, dried coconuts, coffee and Palm oil. The unique geographical location, coupled with the beautiful natural landscape, provides São Tomé and Príncipe with rich tourism resources. At the same time, oil industry still in the initial stage of development, and the country has relatively rich forest, with biological and fishery resources.

The “2023 World Investment Report” published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), pointed out that by the end of 2022, São Tomé and Principe has attracted US$490 million on stock of inward direct investment. According to the “2022 Statistical Bulletin of China’s Outward Foreign Direct Investment”, by the end of 2022, the stock of direct investment of China in São Tomé and Principe was US$510 thousand.

In 2022, the main export destinations of São Tomé and Príncipe are the Netherlands and Belgium, , and the main export goods are palm oil, cocoa, fossil fuels, etc. The main origins for imports are Portugal and Angola,. The main import goods are fuels, electrical equipment and parts and drinks. In 2023, China’s exports to São Tomé and Príncipe amounted to US$10 million, mainly include footwear solar battery, welded pipe; imports from São Tomé and Príncipe amounted to US$70 thousands, mainly include mechanical parts, engine covers.