Praia, Feb 8 (UNI) Cape Verdean President Jose Maria Neves presided over the swearing-in ceremony of four new ministers on Friday in Praia, after their appointments earlier this week amid a cabinet reshuffle.
Speaking at the ceremony, Cape Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva explained that three government members would take on new or expanded roles to focus on economic growth and job creation.
As part of these changes, the Ministry of Finance and Business Development has been restructured "to provide more strength and better responses to the country's economy," he said. The portfolio for Investment Promotion and Business Development, entrusted to former Cape Verdean ambassador to Lisbon, Eurico Monteiro, will "ensure the monitoring of the private sector, investments, and professional qualifications."
Monteiro will also head the Ministry of State Modernization to strengthen the ongoing digital transformation process and create a better business environment, the prime minister added.
Jose Sa Nogueira, an economist, has been appointed Minister of Tourism and Transport, while Jorge Figueiredo, a former mayor and ambassador, will lead the Ministry of Health. Victor Coutinho, former president of Cape Verde's Order of Engineers, will oversee the Ministry of Infrastructure, Territorial Planning, and Housing.
Additionally, Cape Verdean Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia will serve as Minister of Finance, while Alcindo Mota remains Secretary of State for Finance, and Filomeno Monteiro has been appointed Minister of Communities.
UNI XINHUA ARN