Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has concluded his working visit to the US, where he urged American business to consider investing in South Africa.

In his interaction with various institutions in the three states that he visited – New York, Washington DC and Chicago – Motlanthe appealed to the people of America to sustain their strong ties with the people of South Africa, and contribute to the growth and development of South Africa and the rest of Africa.

“The Deputy President reassured business people that South Africa, with its rich mineral resources and modern infrastructure, remains an attractive destination for trade and investment,” said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Thursday.

In New York, Motlanthe conducted a public lecture at New York University, which he used to highlight South Africa's unique experiences, successes and opportunities.

Motlanthe also met with investors at the New York Stock Exchange to showcase South Africa as a good destination for investments and highlight opportunities created by the New Growth Path.

His meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden saw a commitment being made between the two countries to increase trade and investment.

Both Motlanthe and Biden committed their respective governments to work together to catalyse increased trade and investment between South Africa and the US.

The Deputy President concluded his mission with a visit to Chicago, where he met the Governor of Illinois, Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Discussions focused on ways of growing the agricultural sector as a major driver of economic development and job creation.

Motlanthe was supported by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, Agriculture Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel and Deputy International Relations Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim.

– BuaNews