Pretoria - The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has invited companies in the built environment, energy, mining and capital equipment sector, among others, to participate in the eighth Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Companies are invited to submit their applications by 20 June 2016 for the ITI taking place in September.
The objective of the ITI is to increase trade and investment between South Africa and the DRC.
“South Africa is currently the number one import source for the DRC at 21.40%. Bilateral trade between South Africa and the DRC experienced an upward trend between 2011 and 2015, growing from R7.6 billion to R12.1 billion,” said Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina.
He said South Africa is committed to the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap. South Africa is also committed to increasing partnerships with the DRC in advancing Agenda 2063 as well as the fourth industrial revolution.
“In this context, we view the DRC as a strategic partner on the continent. Together, I believe that we can create a symbiotic relationship between our two sides as we seek to share best practices with the DRC with regards to creating value chains in the areas of exploration, mining, mineral processing and beneficiation, agro-processing, services and advanced manufacturing amongst others,” said the Deputy Minister on Friday.
According to the Deputy Minister, the mission is an ideal platform for South African companies who would like to export value-added products and services and for companies who are looking for investment opportunities in the DRC.
The mission will present an opportunity to implement the commitment made by President Jacob Zuma during a working visit to the DRC last year, for the two countries to continue working together to strengthen relationships and build new economic partnerships.
The mission is targeting companies in agro-processing including food and beverages as well as agricultural equipment and infrastructure. Companies operating in the built environment, energy, mining and capital equipment, medical equipment, solutions and supplies and electro-technical sectors are also encouraged to apply.
Participating companies will be assisted through the dti’s Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme (EMIA). – SAnews.gov.za
