South Africa (BUSA) host Italian delegation
3 July 2007
An Italian delegation comprised of government leaders as well as 120
business people from key sectors which include financial services, tourism,
construction, biotechnology, automotives, machinery, agro-processing and
chemicals will visit South Africa from 9 until 11 July 2007.
The purpose of the visit is to enhance relations between the two countries
and will be led by the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister,
Massimo D'Alema.
During the visit Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will deliver a
keynote address at the South Africa-Italy Business Forum hosted by the South
African government and BUSA at the Sandton Convention Centre on 9 July 2007.
The business forum is one of the key initiatives for engaging with business as
well as government in the respective economies.
In addition to the business forum, roundtable seminars are also planned in
the following sectors: infrastructure and building materials, gold and
jewellery, financial services and tourism. Furthermore, the delegation will
also visit Durban and Cape Town where they will attend seminars hosted by Trade
and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) and the Western Cape Economic Development
Agency (Wesgro).
"Our relations with Italy hold significant promise for the growth of
economic relations as well as co-operation in key sectors. Within the context
of South Africa's priority to strengthen and consolidate economic and trade
relations with key countries in Europe, the South Africa-Italy Business Forum
will enable the two countries to demonstrate the prospective opportunities for
further business and bilateral collaboration. Furthermore the Forum will enable
the Italian business delegation to ascertain the opportunities in the South
African economy particularly in the areas of metals beneficiation, agro
processing, tourism, infrastructure development and automotive and engage with
their South African counterparts to establish long term relations. Partnerships
between countries are the way forward for African development and the promotion
of investment in the continent; in that regard we look forward to a successful
South Africa-Italy Forum," says Minister Mpahlwa
Added Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BUSA, Jerry Vilakazi, "The South
Africa-Italy Business Forum provides a fantastic opportunity for South African
businesses to build business partnerships, exploring mutually beneficial trade
and investment opportunities. We already have a strong relationship with
Italian business and believe the forum will contribute significantly to
fortifying it even further and we look forward to hosting our European
counterparts."
Italy ranks amongst South Africa's top ten trading partners with the trade
on the increase and a positive trade balance in favour of Italy. During 2006
total trade reached its highest at about R23 billion. South African exports to
Italy are dominated by precious and non-ferrous metals, basic iron and steel
and ferro-alloys, coal and quarried stone/granite.
Products exported from South Africa are beginning to diversify from the
traditional exports of minerals and metals. This is mainly in the food and
beverage sectors, particularly processed fish and vegetables.
There are more than 12 established Italian investments in South Africa, this
include Fiat, Parmalat and other joint ventures in the jewellery, clothing,
furniture and mining sectors South African companies invested in Italy include
SAB Miller, Sasol, Dimension Data and Barloworld.
For more information contact:
Bongani Lukhele
Marketing Division
Tel: 012 394 1643
Cell: 083 291 8689
E-mail: blukhele@thedti.gov.za
Leandi Smith
PR Republic for BUSA
Cell: 079 523 8374
E-mail: leandri@prrepublic.co.za
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
3 July 2007
