The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Thandi Tobias-Pokolo, will lead a 40 member government and business delegation during the 27th edition of the Havana International Trade Fair, to take place in Cuba from 2 to 7 November 2009.
South Africa's attendance at the Fair will serve to strengthen the South-South Agenda, as well as further the objectives of the Joint Bi-National Commission (JBC) Agenda with Cuba, by promoting trade and investment between the two countries. The dti has participated in the Fair since 2004, with the exception of 2005.
The Fair will provide an opportunity for Deputy Minister Tobias-Pokolo and her Cuban counterpart to discuss issues on the bilateral agenda, with particular focus on trade and investment. In 2008, South Africa exported goods to Cuba to the value of R81,979,457 and Cuba exported goods to the value of R15,741,495 during the corresponding period.
Cuba is an important trading partner for South African exporters the dti has secured a pavilion for South Africa's participation, where 34 companies will showcase their technological and industrial capabilities. The targeted sectors include agro-processing, biotechnology, automotives, construction, pharmaceuticals, capital equipment (including mining equipment), chemicals, electro-technology (security systems) and engineering services. The companies include emerging, well established, as well as women-owned companies.
"South Africa regards Cuba as a strategic partner in the Caribbean and the visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen relations between the two countries. President Zuma, in his address during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2009, called for the removal of the US trade embargo on Cuba. Cuba has the potential to emerge as a significant oil producer, with opportunities arising in this area. In addition, it has a growing tourism sector, and South Africa is well placed to supply the necessary products to that market," says Deputy Minister Thandi Tobias-Pokolo.
In her view, South Africa's participation in the Fair will promote its exports as well as investment potential to Cuba. The Fair will further provide an opportunity for South African companies to showcase their products and services, and network with their counterparts from the rest of the world and Cuba in particular.
For further information, contact:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 073 522 6801
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
28 October 2009
Source: Department of Trade and Industry (http://www.thedti.gov.za)
