OPENING REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR MALEFANE ON THE OCCASION OF A SOUTH AFRICA – TURKEY TRADE AND INVESTMENT SEMINAR IN ANKARA ON 27 APRIL 2017

It is an honor for me to address you on this auspicious occasion which is indicative of a turning point for Turkey and South Africa’s economies. This event also precede a special occasion of great meaning to the democracy of South Africa and that is the National day celebration, scheduled to take place today in the afternoon. The occasion is part of our commemoration of our 23rd Freedom Day which will be concluded with an event to conclude this evening.

Ladies and Gentleman

I extend my gratitude to our co-host, Ms Nazaket Atasoy who is equally passionate about changing the status quo of trade and investment between the two countries. Together with her, we agreed that our economies need an upward trajectory and this is the basis upon which the idea of hosting a seminar emerged.

This business seminar brings together the Business Chambers, Business Leaders and representatives to indulge on a theme that seeks to unleash the economic potential of the two countries in the best interest of our people.

The last World Economic Forum in January 2017 acknowledged that the slow global economic growth and other forces such as the commodity prices pose a challenge to prosperity of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and macroeconomic policies of our countries.

Nevertheless, it is my firm believe that, depending on deliberations in business seminars such as this one, these challenges should be perceived as temporary. This trade seminar is a correct tool to ensure the resilience of our economies amid these challenges. Our fiscas and volatile currencies need us to think local and act globally. By so doing, we will boost our manufacturing, energy and other sectors to secure chances of job creation, good health provision and a provision of quality education to our people.

Ladies and Gentleman,

South Africa and Turkey are privileged to have exchanged representations for, amongst other reasons, Turkey’s geo-strategic location and South Africa’s gateway to Africa. I trust that after the B2B part of this seminar, many of you will have gathered enough contacts and knowledge for market access. The situation, in which imports and exports struggle to reach their destinations, should be a thing of the past, especially if you businessmen and women identify a niche and pledge to sign deals.

Allow me to thank you once more, for availing yourselves to participate in this seminar. I have no doubt that you will return to your respective homes with serious impressions.

I thank you.