The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe arrived in Tunisia where she is leading a delegation of South African business people for the outward selling mission taking place from 7 to 11 May 2013.
Thabethe is scheduled to meet with the Minister of Trade and Handicrafts, Mr Abdelwaheb Maatar to discuss amongst the finalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation between the two countries.
Deputy Minister Thabethe said the department of Trade and Industry (the dti) intends to acquire additional information on key sectors and projects in Tunisia, after which the potential trade and business opportunities for the Tunisian and South African business communities will be explored.
“The department will further undertake a fact-finding mission to Tunisia which is planned later this year, to gain insight into the Tunisian economy, its challenges, opportunities and strategic sectors,” added Thabethe.
Thabethe’s programme will also include bilateral meetings with the Secretary of State, Mr Habib Jomli from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Housing Secretary of State, Ms Chahida Ben Fraj Bouraoui and the Executive Bureau of the Tunis Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She will also address a business seminar which will be attended by the Tunisian business sector and the South African business delegation tomorrow.
Tunisia was ranked 114th in terms of South Africa’s trading partners during the year 2012. For the period 2008 to 2012, exports to Tunisia totalled R486 million. The leading exports during the 2008 – 2012 were mineral products, vehicles and chemicals. Trade was in favour of South Africa with a surplus of R23 million.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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