The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe today concluded an Outward Trade and Investment Mission to the Equatorial Guinea where she led a delegation of South African companies. The aim of the mission was to forge relations which would lead to an increase in trade and investment between the two countries.
According to Deputy Minister Thabethe, this mission was the beginning of the strengthening of relations, and an increase in imports and exports between the two countries.
"In my short stay in Equatorial Guinea, I was mostly impressed by the multiple infrastructural development projects that they have undertaken. I could determine from observing the state of their road infrastructure, the buildings and electricity network that this is a healthy economy with abundant opportunities," said Thabethe.
Thabethe held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Mines, Mr Gabriel Mbaga Obiang wherein they explored cooperation in the area of mining. Mr Obiang shared his country’s plan to build a thriving mining industry. In this regard they will be sending a delegation to South Africa to engage relevant industry stakeholders.
"I am confident that from the business-to-business interactions that took place during the mission, the intelligence gathered from presentations and the site visits, we are in a better position to achieve our goal of establishing new markets and increasing the flow of trade between the two countries," concluded Thabethe.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele, Acting Chief Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 012 394 1643
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E-mail: Blukhele@thedti.gov.za
