Muscat - Chairman of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion & Export Development, HE Dr. Salem ben Nasser Al Ismaily, played host to a South African delegation on Sunday which aims to strengthen business ties and promote trade between Oman and South Africa's Mpumalanga Province. Led by Mr. David Dabede Mabuza, Mpumalanga's Premier the high-profile South African delegation comprised of public sector representatives drawn from economic development, tourism, agriculture and industry.
The Authority plays a crucial role in courting the interest of foreign companies and the emerging economy of South Africa is of significant importance to today's business world. HE Dr. Al Ismaily's discussions with the Mpumalanga Premier focused on international business environments, agriculture, tourism and industry.
Mr. Mabuza pointed out that bordering Mozambique, Swaziland and Gauteng and meaning "where the sun rises" Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's major tourist destinations, produces 80% of South Africa's coal and remains the country's largest production region for forestry and agriculture. Mining, manufacturing and electricity contribute 41.4% of the province's GDP, with the remainder from government services, agriculture, forestry and related industries. Mpumalanga is the fourth-biggest contributor to South Africa's GDP.
South Africa's economy has been completely overhauled since 1994 and bold macroeconomic reforms have boosted competitiveness, growing the economy, creating jobs and opening the country up to world markets. The country has abundant natural resources, well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy and transport sectors, a stock exchange ranked among the top 20 in the world, and a modern infrastructure supporting efficient distribution of goods throughout the southern African region.
"Our meeting will certainly help link Omani businesses with companies in Mpumalanga that could benefit from our products and services, providing both sides with opportunities to develop beyond their borders. Indeed, trade need not be a 'zero-sum game' and that both Mpumalanga and Omani firms can truly benefit from doing business with each other," concluded the Authority's Chairman.-Ends-
© Press Release 2011
