The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe says all South Africa wants to see is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prospering. Thabethe was speaking at the second leg of the fifth Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) in Lubumbashi, DRC on Friday.
The ITI is part of the dti’s strategy on improving bilateral trade relations with strategic partners such as the DRC.
“The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) funded road construction projects in the Katanga Province which has contributed to the improvement of economic activities and the social life in the region,” said Thabethe.
She added that this was one of the benefits that the Bi-National Commission between the two countries is bearing.
Thabethe said there are lots of South African companies who have invested in the DRC, including Anglo Gold Ashanti, IDC, Standard Bank, amongst others.
“We are calling for more South African companies to invest in the DRC and to form joint ventures with the local companies,” she said.
According to Thabethe, a lot is being done and has been done in regard to the foreign trade and investments, however it is not enough. She said there is a greater room to increase investments and grow the volume of two way trade, and create a more diversified exports from both countries.
The Governor of the Katanga province, Lubumbashi, Mr Moise Katumbi assured the South African business community that the DRC government was working tirelessly to make the country attractive for business.
“You should take advantage of the vast investment opportunities that the DRC offers in various sectors,” he added.
The DRC and South African business community engaged on business to business meetings where some come out with promising deals.
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe with the Governor of the Katanga province, Lubumbashi, Mr Moise Katumbi.
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