African Trade Chamber’s Post

SOUTH AFRICA AND SAUDI ARABIA STRENGTHEN TRADE RELATIONS WITH ACTION PLAN South Africa is taking significant steps to enhance its trade relationship with Saudi Arabia by focusing on the export of value-added goods and services. During the opening of the South Africa-Saudi Arabia Business Forum in Johannesburg, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau, announced a comprehensive action plan aimed at implementing various initiatives over the next two years. This plan reflects a commitment to institutionalize the trade relationship and ensure accountability in delivering on mutual commitments. Minister Tau highlighted the importance of the Joint Economic Commission and the South Africa-Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council in strengthening commercial ties. While trade between the two countries has seen impressive growth, rising from $6.6 billion in 2022 to $8.1 billion in 2023, Tau acknowledged the need to balance the trade relationship, which currently favors Saudi Arabia. He stressed the importance of diversifying trade into key sectors such as agro-processing, technology transfer, and renewable energy to foster a more equitable partnership. Encouraging both Saudi and South African businesses to explore new investment opportunities, Minister Tau emphasized South Africa’s role as a gateway to Africa’s vast market potential. He expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, believing that the goodwill between the nations will yield substantial economic benefits. This renewed focus on cooperation marks a pivotal moment for both countries as they seek to forge a more balanced and beneficial trade partnership. #TradeRelations #SouthAfrica #SaudiArabia #EconomicGrowth #BusinessForum

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