UAE Remains Strategic Trading Hub for South Africa in the Gulf – Deputy Minister Gina |
| The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Nomalungelo Gina says the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains a strategic trading hub for South Africa and the world as a whole, and that it is imperative for South Africa to have a presence at Gulfood exhibition. Gina was speaking at a Business Breakfast session that took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Businesspeople from South Africa and UAE attended the session.
“I am pleased that the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has been supporting a South African National Pavilion at this important exhibition. We have grown our presence this year with the setting up of two stands in the fine foods and meats sections. We will continue to have a presence in this fair,” said Gina. Gina said despite slower global and regional growth, South African food exporters have continued to increase their presence in the UAE market, and the broader Middle East region. “Vegetable products have increased from R2.6 billion in 2015 to R2.8 billion in 2019. This is ranked number three in all exports from South Africa to the UAE. Similarly, prepared food stuff has increased from R636 million in 2015 to R86 billion in 2019. Meat exports have also increased from R177 million in 2015 to R337 million in 2019. All these figures combined translate to real job opportunities back home,” she added. Gina urged the business community and state agencies to take full advantage of the opportunity presented by SA’s participation in Gulfood to explore partnerships and joint ventures for the mutual benefit of both respective markets. “We as government are striving to create a conducive business environment by removing trade impediments and by facilitating economic activity through engagements such as these,” she said.
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