The Outward Selling Mission to Kuwait currently undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry together with a group of business people reinforces the commitment of the South African government to further deepen relations with the country and increase trade. This was said by the South African Ambassador to Kuwait, Mr Delarey Van Tonder at the South Africa–Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Seminar held in Kuwait City yesterday.
Ambassador Van Tonder said the trade mission was also in support of the Kuwait Declaration issued at the end of the Africa-Arab summit which took place in Kuwait last week.
“South Africa and Kuwait have expressed the political will to work closely together in various fields of co-operation covering areas such as trade and investment, transport, infrastructure development and women empowerment projects,” said Van Tonder.
He added that South Africa still viewed Kuwait as a key strategic partner in sectors such as energy and tourism development.
“The Africa-Arab partnership is of strategic importance to South Africa. This is due to the fact that both regions have huge potential to play meaningful roles of mutual-benefit in their respective socio-economic development process especially on agricultural, agro-processing and beneficiation,” said Van Tonder.
He urged South African businesses to put resources together and take advantage of this cooperation by both countries.
The Board member of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Fahad Yaqoub Al-Jouan said the visit would contribute positively to the economy of the two countries.
“South African companies have an opportunity to access the various infrastructure projects that Kuwait is embarking on, such as airport expansions, road infrastructure, metro rail developments, utility plants, hospitals and school projects. Additionally, new city developments are likely to provide further opportunities for South African industries,” said Al-Jouan.
The delegations will conclude the mission by visiting different government departments, importers, buyers, distributors and business associations including the Kuwait Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies.
Kuwait is South Africa’s sixth largest export destination in the Middle East. Total bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to R933 million in 2012, with the trade balance of R246 million in favour of South Africa.
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