DUBLIN (Ireland), Sept 28 (NNN-SANEWS) — Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured Ireland that South Africa is committed to creating an enabling business environment that attracts investment, spurs economic development, and creates jobs.
“We understand the significance of collaboration with countries like Ireland, which share our values and aspirations for a better future. As a country, we want to enhance our exports of value-added goods and services to Ireland,” he said.
This as the Deputy President undertook a working visit to Ireland to reinforce South Africa’s historic and warm bilateral relations with the nation where he is also expected to meet his Irish counterpart, Prime Minister Simon Harris.
Speaking at the South Africa-Ireland Forum, the country’s second-in-command said the nation’s focus was on understanding the potential for growth in the global economy.
“It is our responsibility as leaders in our various regions to cultivate an environment that promotes entrepreneurship stimulates innovation and propels inclusive prosperity.”
Mashatile said he was pleased that the two countries already trade in food and beverages.
“However, I must admit that the global pandemic has hindered our trade partnership, leading to only modest progress. We must identify measures to expedite international investment. I strongly believe that there is significant potential to significantly increase the volume and value of various products, including those that are manufactured,” he added.
He told businesspeople that there were many reasons to invest in South Africa, including the fact that the country has had political stability and peaceful elections since 1994.
“We emerged from a peaceful election and formed a Government of National Unity (GNU). All parties in the GNU pledge to uphold the 10 fundamental principles.”
These, Mashatile said, include respect for the Constitution, non-racialism, social justice, human dignity, nation-building, peace and stability, accountability, evidence-based policy, a professional developmental public service, and integrity.
The Deputy President also said South Africa prides itself on quality infrastructure and logistics, the largest presence of multinationals in Africa, a well-developed and diversified manufacturing base.
In addition, he pointed out that the country also has a lucrative emerging market, favourable market access to the global market, an innovation and technology hub, abundant natural resources, Africa’s leading financial hub, a young labour workforce, and excellent quality of life.
Mashatile also told potential investors that several South African key science and technology innovations and achievements emerge from our home soil. — NNN-SANEWS