South African businesspeople who are currently participating in the Outward Trade and Investment Mission (OTIM) to Latin America have arrived in Chile to take part in the last leg of the OTIM which started in Peru earlier this week.
The mission which, starts today and ends on Friday, will provide business people with opportunities to engage with businesses in the same sectors, learn about the Chilean business environment and meet South African companies that are already operating in the country.
Addressing the delegation at a welcome function held in Santiago last night, the Ambassador of South Africa to Chile, Dr Hilton Fisher told the business people that Chile was not easy to do business in and that only hard work can make them survive in that market.
“The embassy can facilitate the business environment however it is up to you as businesspeople to ensure that you build relationships and make them work for you,” he said.
He also added that most of the businesses that actually make it in Chile are those who have a presence in the country.
The business delegation will again participate in the trade and investment seminar, business-to-business meetings and visits to different sites to see how the Chilean businesses are conducted.
Total trade between South Africa and Chile registered an average growth rate of about 1.4% from 2009 to 2013. South Africa's exports to Chile are more diversified than the imports from Chile and are mostly manufactured or value added products. South Africa remains one of the largest foreign investors in the Chilean mining sector.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
