Pretoria - Top executives from the world’s most influential consumer and retail companies are gathered at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the 60th Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) Global Summit.
The first of its kind on the African continent, the summit, which started on Wednesday, is meant to discuss and agree on steps and actions that need to be taken to develop, sustain and grow the consumer goods industry. The summit will end on Friday.
Members of the forum employ nearly 10 million people worldwide, with an estimated 90 million roles along the value chain.
In South Africa, international conglomerates who are members of the CGF include Coca Cola, Nestle, UNILEVER, Walmart, Colgate, Kellogg's, SC Johnson, J&J and Proctor and Gamble, among others.
Their trading in the country continues to contribute to the growth of the economy and job creation.
“We thank you for investing in our country and the positive role you've been playing since the end of apartheid to develop our country and its people,” said Deputy President Cyril Ramophosa in his opening speech at the summit on Wednesday.
He assured the top executives that the business environment in South Africa is stable, vibrant and conducive to increased trade and investment.
“Investments, whether local or foreign, are protected by legal prescripts. Our constitutional democracy is supported by a vibrant Parliament, independent Chapter 9 institutions and an independent judiciary.
“Our democratic dispensation has also given rise to world-class consumer protection and adjudication of disputes in this area. South Africa is indeed open for business,” said the Deputy President.
He said the Consumer Goods Forum is an ethical and values-driven organisation that is also pioneering ground-breaking programmes to reduce food wastage.
“We certainly cannot afford, as I have come to learn, to live in a world where approximately one-third of all food is lost or wasted, while more than 800 million people are undernourished,” he said.
Deputy President Ramaphosa used his address to also applaud the forum for making climate change mitigation a priority. He said the protection of the environment and reduction of global warming must become the new normal, not only for members of the CGF but for all of humanity.
“We are heartened and encouraged to learn of your work to promote sustainable sourcing of commodities, fighting deforestation and reducing the carbon footprint,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
