21 June 2004
An Upington, Northern Cape wine company, Oranjerivier Wine Cellars, on Thursday signed an import and export agreement with the Malaysian Eswira Resources company to export 150 000 litres of wine to Malaysia.
The company is one of the biggest wine cellars in South Africa, with a record harvest of 184 361 tons for 2004.
“This is a boost for the region and its people and the South African economy. This is an example of how to market South Africa in the future,” said chief executive Herman Cruywagen, adding that the agreement will lead to tourism opportunities between the two countries.
Zainul Hawani Ahmad of the Malaysian High Commission said the trade and investment partnership between the two countries was the cornerstone of their bilateral relationship with South Africa.
“South Africa is our most important trade and investment partner, and I hope this agreement will afford a golden opportunity for Malaysians to further develop bilateral networking directly with the Northern Cape,” she said.
Northern Cape MEC for Economic Affairs and Tourism, Pakes Dikgetsi said the agreement entitled Upington farmers to act as ambassadors of the province.
“This deal will broaden the horizons of our farmers to access the international market,” he said.
“It will also develop the economic empowerment of the marginalised section of the Northern Cape,” he added.
Source: BuaNews
