KUWAIT: South African Ambassador to Kuwait Manelisi Genge held a dinner on Feb 1, 2023 to thank media houses for their support and role in promoting South Africa in Kuwait and reiterate the embassy's commitment to enhance relations with stakeholders in Kuwait.
The event aimed to invite media to continue being an important partner for South Africa, considering their role in strengthening South Africa's relations with Kuwait. It also sought to inform media of the embassy's intention to continue holding this engagement of South Africa's stakeholders in Kuwait on an annual basis, going forward, for the duration of Ambassador Genge's tour of duty in Kuwait.
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The envoy made the following remarks during the event: South Africa and Kuwait have solid cordial diplomatic, political and economic relations. The governments of the two countries have signed agreements/MoUs establishing legal framework of their bilateral relations. The two countries continue to support each other at international fora.
Kuwait has become an important market for South African high quality food products, which include fresh fruits and vegetables, chilled meat, juices, spices, salad dressings, cereals and dairy products, among others. These food products can be found at Lulu Hypermarket, cooperative societies and other retail outlets.
The value of South Africa's exports to Kuwait during Q3 of 2022 was $26,723,376, while the value of its imports from Kuwait during Q3 of 2022 was $295,741,253 and South Africa is hopeful and positive that these figures would increase.
Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), Kuwait Auto Parts Import Company (KAPICO), ACICO Group, Al- Thandiwe Safari, Al Mawashi Company, Lulu Hypermarket, Universal Al-Abrar Foodstuff and Meat Trading Company, and United Universal Meat Trading and Foodstuff Company, amongst others. There are other SA companies present in Kuwait through franchise, ie The Meat Co, Mugg & Bean and Ocean Basket.
South Africa is open for business and is working on attracting more foreign investors to invest in various sectors including: Mining, agricultural and agro-processed products, livestock, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, healthcare services, engineering and construction, real estate development, banking services, and storage and logistics services.
South Africa is always ready to welcome Kuwaiti and expatriate travelers, where they can experience its renowned tourist destinations and countless experiences for everyone's' interests. South Africa's touristic attractions include wildlife, trans frontier parks, beaches, scenic beauty, adventure activities, history and World Heritage Sites. South Africa's unique weather, well-established infrastructure, friendly people make it one of the rewarding touristic destinations. Tourism in South Africa is also affordable, given its huge choice of accommodation and easy visa processing, amongst others.
South Africa has signed and ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. AfCFTA (One of the flagship projects of the AU's Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. The continent has a significant economic potential and AfCFTA promises a greater and deepened economic integration, to promote access to the African market by African businesses to build the "Africa We Want"/prosperous Africa. The African continent would be able to eliminate barriers to trade in Africa, improve/strengthen regional value chains and offer countries opportunity to boost competitiveness and diversify product supply; moreover, making Africa the most attractive prospect for foreign investors.