Pretoria - The South African business delegation that is on an outward trade and investment mission (OTIM) to Peru is confident that the mission will be a success, the Department of Trade and Industry says.
The business delegation is positive of business prospects in the South American country following a business seminar held in the capital Lima. The seminar was hosted by the Lima Chamber of Commerce.
“It was interesting to notice from the presentation on the country’s macro-economic profile that there is such a lucrative market for investment in Peru, particularly in construction.
“There is a huge demand for housing and the major projects that they are rolling out from next year present overwhelming opportunities,” said the managing director of Vuka Africa Consulting Engineers, Reshoketsoe Mamojele.
Mamojele said it was emphasised at the seminar that there are other role players in the market that South Africans will have to compete against for these opportunities. “We are not going to get them on a silver platter.”
For the Managing Director of Hape Coal Services, Rhulani Maluleke, the growth in the construction sector and the new mining developments that were pronounced stimulated his interest.
“There is a new multimillion dollar gold mine development that they mentioned and that potentially presents us with incredible opportunities that we can look at and grab,” said Maluleke.
The Managing Director of the South African Capital Equipment Council Sybil Rhomberg described opportunities provided by the Peruvian economy as “mind-boggling”.
“The value of the mega projects that this country is rolling out makes the number of opportunities available for business people mind-boggling.
“There is a multi-billion dollar worth of projects just in the mining sector alone. That provides a multiple of opportunities for our companies, except that it is not going to be easy to get them because there are other roleplayers eyeing them,” added Rhomberg.
Managing Director of engineering company Bradbri, Felix Tjoane, was impressed by the political stability and economic growth in Peru.
“The country’s economic growth and political stability give us confidence to look for investments or joint ventures there. The new mining developments present remarkable opportunities because there is a huge demand for modern mining equipment.
“We are positive that we can find a market for the capital equipment that we are manufacturing, a distributor or partners for a joint-venture,” said Tjoane.
The mission’s aim is to assist the country’s manufacturers and exporters to open a market for their value-added products and services in Peru and other countries in South America.
The OTIM, organised by the Department of Trade and Industry, will conclude on Friday.
Meanwhile, a South Africa –Peru Chamber of Commerce (SAPCHAM) is to be launched on Wednesday.
According to the chamber’s inaugural President, Guillermo van Oordt, the launch is a momentous occasion that will add further impetus on efforts to enhance economic relations between the two countries with the goal of increasing bilateral trade and investment.-SAnews.gov.za
