South African businessmen aim to create a ”beachhead of influence” in the Middle East during a three day black economic empowerment visit to Israel next week.
Denis Worrall, chairperson of the organising company, Omega Investment Research, said representatives of 20 South African companies in the information technology and telecommunications industries, financial services, agro- and environmental technology would arrive in Tel Aviv on January 23.
The South African embassy would organise one-on-one talks with Israeli companies — 40 of which had already indicated their interest.
The local firms would also receive a private briefing on the Middle East peace process by Knesset Labour member Colette Avital, and CNN’s Middle East representative Jerrold Kessel.
An initiative of South Africa’s Ambassador to Israel Fumanekile Gqiba and supported by the South African Israel Chamber of Commerce, the visit followed that of an Israeli delegation to South Africa last year, said Worrall.
Apart from establishing business connections, the mission’s goals were to transfer technology and skills and open up opportunities for Israeli companies to use South Africa as a gateway to the rest of the continent, he added.
”At this critical point, when Israelis and Palestinians are clearly moving into a new phase in the peace process, this mission has both business and diplomatic implications,” Worrall added.
He advised companies interested in participating or wanting more information to contact Sharon, of Omega, on 021-689-7881, or Lucia Milham, of the South African- Israeli Chamber of Commerce, on 011-483-2272. – Sapa