German business people express confidence in South Africa
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies had two engagements with Captain of the Industry in Berlin, German, on the sidelines of President Jacob Zuma’s State Visit to Germany.
The first engagement was a Business Roundtable with targeted investors that include amongst others Siemens, Bilfinger SE Power System, Airbus Ds GmbH, Robert Bosch, German African Business Association, and SA-German Chamber of Commerce. The second one was German South African Business Forum.
German Companies expressed confidence in South Africa. German Chamber of Commerce agreed to work with South Africa in establishing a fund that will focus on Supplier Development and Skills Development. According to Minister Davies this will benefit small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and our black industrialist program.
“We also know that Germany is a country of SMMEs that are in clusters, innovative and export oriented and we are looking at such partnership on Supply Development and Skills Development to create opportunities for our SMMEs,” said Minister Davies.
Minister Davies added that the amended Broad Based–Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good Practice are also prioritising the promotion of Supply Development and Skills Development.
The CEO of SA-German Chamber of Commerce, Mr Matthias Boddenberg said that they are in support of government’s policy of Black Industrialist and they are committed to implement it.
“There is a need for a fresh wind in our relationship and that can new wind can come out of our cooperation in terms of creating the basis for Black Industrialists as suppliers to our companies in South Africa. Our member companies are supporting the Enterprise Development and Supplier Development concept wholeheartedly. We are committed as German businesses to transformation in South Africa and will work with the dti,” said Mr Boddenberg.
Between January 2003 and March 2015, Germany invested about R62.91 billion creating about 19,480 jobs. The amount was invested in 85 Foreign Direct Investment projects all over South Africa.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
