The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe says the outward women's mission to Italy and the Netherlands which she undertook together with a delegation comprising twelve businesswomen representing different sectors of the economy was a great success.
Thabethe was speaking in Rome, Italy yesterday at the conclusion of the week-long mission after holding a bilateral meeting with her Italian counterpart, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Mr Massimo Vari. The two agreed on a number of collaborations that can be worked on especially those that are targeting women.
"In both countries we found that there are number of things that can be jointly worked on and explored especially in the agro-processing and clothing and textile sectors. What is left for us to do is to implement some of the things that were agreed upon in Italy and the Netherlands especially on cooperatives and skills transfer programmes," said Thabethe.
She also said the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) would continuously identify and create opportunities for Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in the untapped markets such as Italy and the Netherlands and make use of the best practices learnt to sustain South Africa’s businesses owned by women.
She praised both countries for their entrepreneurial spirit and sustaining their businesses during the Eurozone crisis.
The Acting President of the South African Women Entrepreneur Network (SAWEN), Ms Nana Ditodi echoed Thabethe’s sentiments, adding the South African businesswomen on the mission well-received in both countries.
"We met with captains of industries which were key for us, one of them being the Yente Foundations that will soon collaborate with SAWEN and open their offices in Johannesburg. The focus of the satellite office will be on training, skills and technology transfer," said Ditodi.
Ms Nelisiwe Shezi, the Director of the Durban-based Elegant Line Chemical Company says the mission was both informative and fruitful, adding that she did not only learn a lot from both countries but also secured a deal for her company.
"I managed to appoint an agent who will represent my company and network on our behalf. What is more interesting about both countries is that they have institutions that deal with skills transfer and some of these are provided for free," said Shezi.
She added that government in both countries was assisting with creating opportunities on their behalf and that it was up to businesses to make follow-ups and grab these opportunities.
The outward mission sought to create opportunities for networking between women of South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy and also encourage the creation of partnerships, joint ventures and strategic alliances.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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