The Southern African Development Community (SADC) needs to consolidate intra-African trade guided by the competitive advantage that each member possesses to boost economic development in the region.
This was said by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe yesterday at the official opening of the South African National Pavilion in Luanda, Angola. South Africa is participating in a multi-sectoral international exhibition Feira Internacional de Angola (FILDA) that is currently taking place in Luanda.
Speaking during the opening of the South African National Pavilion, Deputy Minister Thabethe said that South Africa’s participation in FILDA seeks to highlight trade and investment opportunities that can be shared by businesses of the two countries.
‘We also saw it fitting to open our pavilion on this significant day where South Africa and the rest of the world are celebrating Mandela’s day where all of us must show selflessness and dedicate 67 minutes for a worthy cause of human development and contribute in ensuring social justice. We are of the view that trade between South Africa and Angola can be increased if both governments continue to be resolute and develop new approaches and deepen areas of economic development, industrial and trade co-operation between the two countries” said Thabethe.
She also acknowledged the critical role played by Angola as SADC chair in the election of the first woman Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
Thabethe also during her meeting with the Angola Chamber of Commerce reiterated Government’s commitment in supporting the country’s economic and business ventures in all sectors, while the chamber indicated their interest in formalising the relations between them and South African business community.
Angola is currently ranked eighth as one of South Africa’s top import sources in the world, with totalling R22.5 billion largely comprised of crude petroleum oils. As a result, Angola enjoyed a huge trade surplus to the tune of approximately R14 billion in 2008 and R4 billion in 2011.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
