The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (the dti) Ms Elizabeth Thabethe has arrived in Qatar where she is leading a group of businesspeople representing thirty-two South African companies. These companies will be participating in the World Cup Legacy Exhibition which will be hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in Doha from tomorrow to Wednesday, 4 June 2013.
The objective of the exhibition is to showcase the competencies and offerings of the South African companies that contributed in building the infrastructure required for the successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Ms Thabethe’s programme begins with a briefing of the South African delegation comprising government officials and businesspeople. The Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar, Mr Saad Cachalia will also be part of the briefing. Tomorrow Ms Thabethe will deliver a keynote address at a trade and investment seminar that will be attended by businesspeople from South Africa and Qatar, before officially opening the exhibition.
Ms Thabethe’s programme of engagements for the duration of her stay in Qatar includes a planned bilateral meeting with her Qatari counterpart, Mr Sultan Bin Rahid Al Khater. The targeted sectors for the World Cup Legacy exhibition include built environment professionals (construction, consulting engineers, civil engineering contractors, quantity surveying and architects), aerospace, rail and marine (related to transport infrastructure for the World Cup), manufacturing (memorabilia, steel and tube), services (safety and security, ticketing), electro technical (ICT Infrastructure for the World Cup) and agro-processing (processed foods and flowers).
“The South African companies have developed highly specialised skills and products during the preparations for and the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. For this reason the department is hosting exhibitions to market South African companies’ expertise and explore opportunities for collaboration in projects with future host countries of the FIFA World Cup,” says Ms Elizabeth Thabethe .
She adds that Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup led the Qatari to plan for high levels of investment in infrastructure and real estate development. Approximately US$225 billion between 2011 and 2016, of which US$125 billion has been unveiled for construction and energy projects alone. Spending directly related to preparations for the 2022 World Cup will amount to an estimated US$80 billion, encompassing commercial and infrastructure projects.
As a result the construction boom in Qatar is expected to continue, although with different priorities and involving new players, an opportunity that South African companies can explore and grab.
Thabethe adds that Qatar remains an important and strategic country for South Africa and it presents opportunities for South African companies in the various sectors including agro-processing, infrastructure, construction, oil and gas.
Deputy Minister stated that Qatar is South Africa’s tenth largest trading partner in the Middle East region in terms of exports and the fifth largest trading partner in terms of imports.
‘Trade between South Africa and Qatar currently stands at R4.1 billion, with a large trade surplus in favour of Qatar. South Africa’s main imports from Qatar are petroleum related products. Our main exports include chemicals, diesel powered trucks, metals, equipment and parts, as well as fresh and dried fruits.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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