Netherlands, Free State to boost trade relations

In this regard, the Southern African - Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (SANEC) and the Free State Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, 6 May 2009.

“This will be established through exposure to incoming trade missions - hosted by SANEC at least twice a year; exposure during networking events and by means of trade enquiries and matchmaking requests,” the FIPA said in a statement.

FIPA will also be entitled to utilise SANEC's communication and marketing tools to communicate information on the Free State Province and its trade and investment opportunities.

“In order for us to achieve our mandate of increased investment and export levels, it is important for FIPA to collaborate and form strategic partnerships.

“We at FIPA are confident that our partnership with SANEC will lead to increased investment for the Free State Province as well as to increased bilateral trade between the province and the Netherlands,” said Caswell Makama, Chairman of FIPA.

Co-operation between SANEC and FIPA took shape during the World Cup 2010 Trade Mission that was organised by SANEC last year.

During this mission it was established that further co-operation would be beneficial for both parties.

FIPA's strategic objectives include advocating for the creation of a conducive investment environment in the Free State Province.

It also aims to provide vision and direction to key growth sectors in the province and to facilitate and increase fixed and local direct investment and export opportunities.

This specialist investment promotion agency therefore offers incoming investors a comprehensive service in setting up business in the province while also assisting local companies in identifying new markets and export opportunities for their products.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews