Dubai, UAE, 4 December 2013 – In a Brand South Africa led initiative, South African Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, brought the South African value proposition to Emirati businesspeople and investors at a roundtable at the JW Marriot Marquis Hotel in Dubai.
The South African delegation included the Brand South Africa Chairperson Chichi Maponya, Brand South Africa CEO Miller Matola and Transnet Freightrail CEO Siyabongo Gama.
Brand South Africa led this initiative in the UAE as part of its mandate to promote South Africa as a competitive destination in inward flows of capital, from investors, businesspeople and tourists alike.
As part of its multipronged strategy to deal with its socio-economic challenges, South Africa has developed and is implementing the National Development Plan which is the country’s blueprint for economic and social development by the year 2030. The Plan is also commonly referred to as Vision 2030.
Vision 2030 envisages the creation of 11 million new jobs, the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality within the next 17 years. The Plan aims to grow the economy, build capabilities, enhance the capacity of the state, and promote leadership and partnerships throughout society.
This can be successfully achieved, through amongst others, inward investment from international business operations. The UAE and South Africa already share favourable relations which can pave the way for companies to invest in South Africa.
As the UAE starts to prepare for the Expo 2020, Brand South Africa also reiterated that South Africa is a reliable partner in supporting the UAE’s developmental aspirations.
Speaking on conclusion of the engagement, Mr Miller Matola, CEO of Brand South Africa commented: “With South Africa about to enter our third generation of democracy, we are focusing on diversifying our traditional economic partner base with developing countries in order to deliver on our 2030 vision. The UAE is key to this strategy, and as the country begins its preparations for Expo 2020, this is the ideal time to showcase South Africa’s value proposition and expertise in key areas such as infrastructure and healthcare. South Africa is also keen to support the UAE’s developmental agenda in the years to come.”
Brand South Africa’s conversation in the UAE continues as the South African delegation interacts with South African’s based in the country on 5 December 2013. The conversation in the UAE can be followed on @Brand_SA on hashtag #SA_UAETalk.
