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In response to a parliamentary question from the DA, the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism has revealed how it is taking a proactive role in facilitating international trade and investment in the province, through numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with international partners.

The Western Cape Government has no fewer than 5 MOUs with strategic partners to maximise the opportunities of trade agreements in markets for Western Cape exporters. These partnerships all aim at increasing cooperation to facilitate trade and investment between the Western Cape and international partners, and at providing support to businesses in the export industry. The Provincial Government currently has MOUs with the following partners:

• Western Cape Provincial Government and U.S. Consulate General in Cape Town Investment Promotion Partnership
• UK Department of International Trade
• Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO)
• Angola – South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACIAAS)
• Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC)

Furthermore, Wesgro plays an important role in supporting international trade agreements administered by National Government through, among other activities:

• International trade missions
• Export training and international mentorship
• Business seminars, knowledge sharing and networking
• International investment promotion aimed at bringing foreign direct investment, not only to the Western Cape but also to the country and the continent

MPP Gillion Bosman says: “I will be inviting the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to give a more detailed briefing to the Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism on their investment and trade promotion activities. International investment and trade are pillars of economic development in our globalised economy, and the South African economy needs all the help it can get. It is good to see that the Western Cape Government is not content to simply rely on agreements reached by National Government, but is taking a proactive approach to ensure international partners can easily access the Western Cape economy. This will contribute to much needed economic growth in our province, and most importantly to more job opportunities for our citizens.”

Issued by Gillion Bosman, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism