KUWAIT: Seema Sardha, Director Export Promotion Middle East from the Department of Trade of South Africa, speaks at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: A delegation of businessmen from South Africa was welcomed yesterday at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to promote business opportunities. The delegation, led by Seema Sardha, Director Export Promotion Middle East from the Department of Trade of South Africa, is promoting Africa's vibrant and talented workforce under 35 years old, its state-of-the-art technology, and pioneering and innovative healthcare facilities, as it is recognized as the first country to perform the first heart transplant in the world.

"We have seven designated economic zones to create a vibrant South Africa. We have a favorable business environment for everyone to take advantage of, a well-placed democracy, our legal system is also unparalleled and we are the gateway to a one billion market in the African continent. This is proof of South Africa's innovativeness and what we can bring to your table," she said.

Sardha noted that opportunities in the agriculture sector are also vast, as well as in the area of energy, pharma and tourism. "The opportunities in these areas are really huge and we want you to invest in our country. South Africa is open for business and we are open to all through collaborative work, BOT, PPP and technology transfer. We invite the chamber to visit South Africa and enjoy the hospitality we offer," she emphasized.

South African Ambassador to Kuwait Mzolisa Bona thanked the KCCI for the support accorded to the South African business delegation. "We are promoting mutually beneficial opportunities for both countries. We want you to be part of South Africa's emerging economy and be part of our growth," he said.

The sectors included are: Agro-processing (meat, dairy products and beverages), chemicals used for agriculture, food, industry, water purification, oil and gas, construction and engineering, electro-technical, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, health and beauty, work wear (safety boots) and clothing, textiles and leather. The purpose of the visit is to further strengthen commercial relations between South Africa and Kuwait, to promote South African products and services as well as to establish business relationships with potential Kuwaiti counterparts.

Sarah Al-Hassan from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) also presented Kuwait's business opportunities for the visiting South African business delegation. They were welcomed at the chamber by the director of the foreign relations department at the KCCI Salah Eyadah.

By Ben Garcia