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In reply to a DA Parliamentary question, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, disclosed today that his department spent R252 000 on a three-day trip for the Minister and four senior officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The Minister needs to urgently reassure the public that the investment of state funds in this trip will pay off in terms of increased trade with New Zealand, or investment by New Zealand companies.
The R252 000 bill accounts for the expenses incurred by four officials and the Minister; although the Minister's accommodation and flights were apparently covered by the New Zealand government.
I will today submit Parliamentary questions to gain answers to the following questions:
• What was the motivation for the four officials accompanying the Minister?
• What deals were initiated or closed on the trip to New Zealand?
• What prospective investment or trade is estimated to flow from these deals?
• Whether the Minister thinks that a R252 000 bill is excessive for a three-day trip?
• Whether the Minister thinks this constitutes a responsible use of state resources?
If the Minister is unable to demonstrate a positive return on investment on this business trip then his actions fly in the face of Pravin Gordhan's commitment in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement that government would curb wasteful and indulgent expenditure.
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