The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will host a virtual Outward Trade and Investment Mission with Ethiopia on 25-26 November 2020.
The objective of the mission is to increase bilateral trade and investment between South Africa and Ethiopia.
The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition: Ms Nomalungelo Gina, says the mission is an ideal platform for South African companies which would like to export value-added products to Ethiopia, as well as those that would like to pursue investment opportunities the East African country. According to the Deputy Minister, Trade Invest Africa Chief Directorate is assisting the South African business community to establish and expand its presence on the African continent.
“South Africa’s exports to Ethiopia are diversified, covering a number of the dtic’s Re-imagined Industrialisation Policy sectors,” she said.
“This presents potential to increase the volume of value-added products as well as investments in Ethiopia by South African businesses looking to expand their footprint into the largest market in East Africa.
“The composition of South Africa’s exports to Ethiopia in 2019 indicates that there is a demand and potential for exports expansion and investment in industrial and agriculture sector inputs.”
South Africa`s imports from Ethiopia are dominated by agricultural products chief among these are coffee and spices.
The targeted sectors for the trade and investment webinar are:
- Agro-processing;
- Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals;
- Energy & Electro-technical; and
- Footwear & Leather products.
A Memorandum of Understanding between South Africa and Ethiopia was amended in 2015 to allow for the establishment of a Joint Trade Committee (JTC).
One of its tasks is to facilitate structured and regular engagements, to discuss trade and economic issues as well as address any market access issues.