North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise is to deliver the opening remarks preceding the keynote address by President Jacob Zuma on the first day of the two-day South African International Trade and Investment Conference and Exhibition to be held at Sun City outside Rustenburg in the North West Province on Wednesday 11 April 2012.
The purpose of the conference hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry under the theme The African Dialogue is to provide an opportunity for South African and international organisations to forge relationships and form business linkages with key players and decision makers in various sectors globally. The conference and exhibition will also serve as a platform to promote Africa as an attractive investment destination.
Premier Modise says that the North West Province as the gateway to Africa is honoured to host the International Trade and Investment Conference of this magnitude which according to Minster of Trade and Industry, Dr. Rob Davis is to showcase South Africa’s flagship projects, products and services and highlight the great opportunities South Africa provides for investing in the various provinces and sectors, as well as draw attention to the export potential outside the country.
“The conference will attract an influx of investment which, through the heightening of economic activity, will contribute to the growth of the African economies, create employment for the people of Africa and improve the overall quality of the lives of the African continent. Of key importance to our engagements in Africa, is the enhancement of development integration as well as infrastructure that will allow for improved connectivity and further opportunities for intra-Africa trade,” says Davies.
Over 500 delegates representing their respective governments, business chambers, investors, academics, exporters, importers and financiers from all continents will attend the conference which also serves as a platform to promote Africa as an attractive investment destination.
The programme for first day of the conference includes a TV Debate titled “Africa: A diamond in the rough” in which President Zuma will participate and a gala dinner at which Premier Modise will deliver the keynote address.
Government Ministers and captains of industry drawn from the continent and the rest of the world will be panellists of various breakaway sessions of the conference sponsored by Deloitte.
Africa and the New World Order, Bricks and Africa, Beneficiation: moving up the value chain, Powering Africa’s growth: opportunities and challenges are some of the topics to be covered on the first day of the conference.
The second day will cover discussions on bridging borders, Investment Incentives and support, Project financing in Africa and Public Private Partnerships, Agri and Agro processing, Energy and the Green Economy, Transport, reaping full benefits of tourism and hospitality, Healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
About 17 Countries from Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe and Americas will also present country briefings towards the conclusion of the conference.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0140
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 0328
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
North West Premier Thandi Modise to address International Trade and Investment Conference
Province
