The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina says the South African government is committed to assisting companies open new markets in various parts of the world and contribute in increasing the country’s exports.  Masina was speaking to a group of SA businesspeople during a briefing session held at the South African Embassy in Havana, Cuba.

The group comprises of exporters who will be exhibiting their products and services in the Havana International Trade Fair from today, as well as investors who will participate in the investment mission that will take place on the margins of the fair.

“In a short space of time we have taken business delegations to  Sweden, Mexico, Iran and Cuba because as government we are committed to opening new market opportunities for the South African companies in order to ensure that they contribute significantly in increasing our exports.  We had another business delegation here with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa just last week. This underscores the importance that the South African government attaches to the historically strong and cordial political relations that we have with Cuba,” said Masina.

He added that the mission to Cuba that he is leading was important and instrumental to the efforts of the SA government to strengthen economic ties with Cuba and the Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) initiatives to increase trade and investment between the two countries.

“The major historical developments taking place in Cuba have resulted in people around the world making their way to the country because things are really changing here. There are good prospects for economic development in the country.  There are also good prospects for business. The time is now for us to extend our friendship beyond politics and focus on increasing our trade and investments,” said Masina.

He added that the department has organised the mission to Cuba to enable companies to take advantage of the opportunities that are becoming available in Cuba 

Masina emphasised that Cuba could be a strategic location for the SA business who could access other markets in the Caribbean islands.

Masina will attend the official opening of the Havana International Trade Fair today at the invitation of the Cuban government. He will also open the SA Pavillion at the fair and later hold a bilateral meeting with his Cuban counterpart, Ms Ileana Nunez Mordoche.

Issued by The Department of Trade and Industry