South Africa should make the most of its close proximity to Mozambique by taking up business opportunities in the neighbouring country, South African High Commissioner to Mozambique Mandisi Mpahlwa said.
“Our proximity to Mozambique is something that provides greater opportunities to us. The cost of bringing in goods and services are minimal and in terms of the range and scope, we have a lot to offer Mozambique when compared to our competitors. Let us make the best of this opportunity, for this is important in context of the world we are operating in,” said Mpahlwa.
The High Commissioner was addressing a South African business delegation that arrived in the southern African nation to participate in the 54th Feira International de Maputo (FACIM) trade fair.
The delegation is participating in the trade fair through the Department of Trade of Industry (dti).
Mpahlwa said South Africa has the skills base and capacity to supply Mozambique in many sectors where it is experiencing a rise in demand of goods and services.
He said the High Commission was there to offer business people support services, to guide and protect their interests. Mpahlwa urged them to ensure that they complied with Mozambique’s rules and regulations when conducting business in the country.
“We have learned the importance of not underestimating the system and refrain from cutting corners and we are already seeing the benefits of our actions. There exist real opportunities in a host of sectors.
“For an example, Mozambique has a 2030 universal electrification strategy that needs to be implemented. That sector alone possesses a lot of potential spill-off opportunities in roads, infrastructure, energy and construction, just to mention a few. It is my wish to see South African companies competing in those spaces,” he said.
FACIM is Mozambique’s biggest trade fair, which caters for a variety of products and services, attracting attention from more than 540 international companies coming from African, European, Asian and American countries.
The Foreign Economic Representative in Maputo, Matome Kgowedi, impressed upon the business delegation a list point of key points to doing business in Mozambique.
“Upon identifying local partners, it is imperative that you conduct due diligence. Inform yourselves about the culture of doing business in the country and most importantly, always conduct a background check on people you are intending partnering with.
“Always involve the High Commission in your business dealings so as to enable us to assist and give free advice,” said Kgowedi.
The South African Pavilion at FACIM officially gets underway today, with companies ranging from the energy sector, air conditioning, textiles, agro-processing, jewellery manufacturing and built industry showcasing local goods and services.
The trade fair will conclude on 3 September. – SAnews.gov.za
