Western Cape Government trade visit paves the way for business partnerships with Angola
The Western Cape Government’s official visit to Angola has paved the way for 17 local businesses to establish trade partnerships with our African counterpart.
Premier Helen Zille and Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, aided by Wesgro, this week led a business delegation to Angola to enhance relations between the two regions.
Premier Zille and Minister Winde returned to the Western Cape last night, while 17 province-based businesses remained in Angola.
Premier Zille said the two day visit had been very successful as both the Western Cape and Angola expressed a great willingness to explore investment opportunities between the regions.
She added that the Western Cape and Angola were natural partners because they shared the Atlantic coastline, among other things.
“The Western Cape is a willing partner and we hope businesses from our region will have an opportunity to contribute to Angola’s road and infrastructure development projects. The improved transport infrastructure (including freight and ports) is beneficial for trade between our two regions,” Premier Zille said.
Minister Winde said that businesses from both regions participated in a business to business workshop to explore opportunities for collaboration.
“South African retailers which have a presence in Angola have to source local produce in that country. We’re looking at ways we can work with Angola’s agricultural sector to develop partnerships around production. Yesterday, participating businesses visited Angolan retailers to further explore possible linkages. I am confident that following this visit, local business will have formed valuable networks and I am looking forward to receiving a comprehensive report-back when they return,” said Minister Winde.
Minister Winde said the Western Cape’s award-winning wine industry was also showcased, with Wines of South Africa (WOSA) hosting a tasting for Angolan delegates.
“The value of the Western Cape’s exports to all of our markets increased by 78% between 2009 and 2014.Angola is South Africa’s 13th biggest market for wine sales and through smart agreements, there is significant potential to increase the volume of wine we export to other African countries,” said Minister Winde.
Since an official visit by Minister Winde in 2013, there have been numerous trade and investment missions led by the Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Agency (WESGRO) to Angola.
Angola is a key trading partner for the Western Cape. The value of the Western Cape’s exports to Angola was valued at over R2 billion in 2013. Over the past year, our province’s exports to Angola have increased by 30%.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Michael Mpofu, Spokesperson for Premier Helen Zille
Tel: 021 483 4584
Fax: 021 483 3826
Cell: 071 564 5427
E-mail: Michael.Mpofu@westerncape.gov.za
Bronwynne Jooste, Spokesperson: Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
