Johannesburg, 19 November 2018 – In partnership with the Black Business Council, Business Leadership South Africa, and Business Unity South Africa, the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAGCCI) was proud to host a Business Roundtable and Business Cafe on the occasion of the State Visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This is the first official visit to South Africa undertaken by a German President, since the visit of then Federal President Johannes Rau, in 2002. This Business Roundtable event served to appraise President Steinmeier and his delegation of the current economic environment in South Africa and provided an opportunity for discussions between the president and members of the SAGCCI’s directorate and Senior Council, many of whom are industry leaders in the South African economic milieu. This exciting event took place at The Turbine Hall in Johannesburg’s bustling Newtown suburb.
The morning started out with a presentation on the South African business climate to the delegates by SAGCCI CEO, Matthias Boddenberg.
Upon the arrival of the President, the delegates and other guests enjoyed some light refreshments, before heading into the Business Roundtable. Key points of discussion included the challenges and opportunities for German investors in South Africa as well as how to go about strengthening business ties between the two countries – a subject that will likely be fleshed out more in President Steinmeier’s meeting with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa this week.
Energy among the guests remained high as the Roundtable transitioned into the succeeding Business Cafe with South Africa’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, and Germany’s Federal Secretary, Dr Ulrich Nussbaum. Both gentlemen gave invigorating and insightful addresses to the guests gathered in the Turbine Hall’s Glasshouse. Thereafter, guests were invited to gather around different points of the room to partake in focused discussions around industry sectors, such as Finance, Automotive, Mining, Energy, Machinery, and Infrastructure, while enjoying a hearty lunch.
Events like these serve to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between the South African and German private sectors, ties which both countries value greatly. The two countries have always been close trade partners, with Germany being South Africa’s third-largest global trading partner in 2017. Germany is also one of South Africa’s largest foreign investors – over 600 German companies have established subsidiaries and/or production facilities in the country.
This State Visit could prove truly invaluable in building ever-stronger economic ties between these two nations.
Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been operating in Southern Africa for over 65 years. Bringing together potential business partners is one of our key service offerings. We foster business links between Germany and Southern African companies through comprehensive and target group-oriented researches, workshops, seminars and business delegations that bring you in contact with competent business partners in your industry. Contact the Chamber to get connected with German and southern African businesses at info(at)germanchamber.co.za; or call +27 11 486 2775.
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