Business, trade tops SA, Ireland discussions

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Martin said bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to some 900 million Euros and that the main raw materials that Ireland imported from South Africa amounted to about 500 million Euros.

"We believe there's a lot of room for growth and strengthening of trade and business relations and this can be achieved through strategic alliances and partnerships," said Martin.

Whilst no deals have been signed officially between South Africa and the Irish government, deals between South Africa and Irish companies are worth about 30 million Euros, said the minister.

With regard to the nationwide problem of load shedding by state-owned power utility, Eskom, Martin said the Ireland Electricity Supply Board will be involved on an advisory basis over the next few years to help Eskom to improve its electricity supply.

The minister was accompanied by 50 Irish companies which come from a wide variety of disciplines and sectors, including the information and communication technology (ICT), construction, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, amongst others.

Also accompanying the minister on his trip is Tourism Ireland Chief Executive Paul O'Toole, who is anxious to boost tourism, and business tourism in particular, between South Africa and their country.

Speaking to BuaNews, O'Toole said that the South African market was quietly developing well for Ireland.

"We accompanied the trade mission to South Africa to give tourism a boost. We have already addressed members within the airline, tour operators, as well as travel media in order to have them push business tourism," said the chief executive.

O'Toole highlighted that about 30,000 South Africans were visiting Ireland each year, adding however, that that figure had probably increased by 30-40% in recent years.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews