Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa in Japan to promote trade and investment

23 August 2015 - 21:45 By RDM News Wire
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Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa
Image: TMG

Supported by a high-level ministerial delegation and several captains of industry‚ Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Tokyo‚ Japan‚ at the weekend ahead of his official visit to promote South Africa as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment and trade.

At government level‚ the delegation includes ministers Naledi Pandor‚ Rob Davies‚ Tina Joemat-Pettersson and deputy ministers Bheki Cele‚ Nomaindia Mfeketo‚ Mzwandile Masina.

Dr Nono Simelelela‚ Special Advisor to the Deputy President‚ senior government officials‚ including Deputy Director-General in the office of the Deputy President Busani Ngcaweni‚ Ambassador Anil Sooklal and South Africa’s Ambassador to Japan Mohau Pheko are also part of the delegation.

At a trade level the delegation includes among others CEOs and chairpersons of South African companies ranging from Coega Development Corporation‚ NECSA‚ Transnet‚ Karanbeef‚ PPC‚ KPMG‚ Maponya Group and a number of other BEE companies‚ according to Presidency spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa.

“At the heart of the visit lies a commitment by Deputy President Ramaphosa and his delegation to reassure Japanese business- that South Africa remains open for business. In this context‚ the Deputy President will brief Japanese investors about South Africa’s macro-economic stability‚ vibrancy and conducive business environment for Japanese business to invest in the country particularly in ventures that can create jobs. This takes place within the context of current national efforts aimed at exploring new and innovative ways of growing the economy‚” said Mamoepa.

“Similarly‚ Deputy President Ramaphosa will utilise the visit to secure commitments from Japan to partner with South Africa in its efforts to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS‚ TB and malaria‚ ” said Mamoepa.

“Deputy President Ramaphosa will also seek to tap into the vast Japanese expertise and innovative technologies to increase collaboration in the fields of science and technology with a view to attracting essential skills in support of South Africa’s training and human resource development. In this context‚ South Africa and Japan will explore partnerships to promote innovation and technology to boost economic growth within the context of the 9-point plan to strengthen the economy.

“While in Japan‚ Deputy President Ramaphosa will seek to strengthen alignment of South Africa and Japan’s approach to global issues of mutual concern including the enhancement of multilateral institutions and the reform of global political and economic governance.

“The visit is also expected to consolidate the objectives of the African agenda through the strengthening of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) partnership by promoting increased trade‚ investment growth and infrastructure development in the continent of Africa. In this context South Africa continues to act within efforts of the African continent to facilitate African growth through Agenda 2063‚” Mamoepa added.

RDM News Wire.

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