/ 19 May 2005

Companies to market SA overseas

South Africa’s search for direct foreign investment and trade will see representatives of the country’s leading business head to Britain and Germany next month on a mission to promote the country.

The 21-man delegation includes Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the 2010 World Cup Organising Committee, and Monhla Hlahla, head of the Airports Company South Africa. It will embark on the mission under the banner of the Presidential International Marketing Council (PIMC).

”Germany and the United Kingdom have been selected because they are South Africa’s biggest trading partners,” PIMC chief executive Yvonne Johnston said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

”Our objective is to consolidate that position and explore the opportunities for further growth in two of the world’s biggest economies.”

She said the aim was to present the rich potential of doing business in South Africa.

”Investing in South Africa allows companies to reach a customer base of more than 170 million people in our immediate region and another 550-million people on the continent of Africa.”

The delegation is expected to hold three investment conferences in Frankfurt, Munich and London during its week-long visit to those countries.

”There will be considerable global interest in South Africa over the next five years,” said Jordan.

”This visit will introduce the European business community to the numerous opportunities that are opening up for new ventures and investments.”

The delegation will leave the country on first week of June. – Sapa