SA ‘open for business’ with Chile

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Luwellyn Landers , used his visit to Chile to bolster South Africa’s standing as a viable and stable investment destination, saying the “country is open for business”.

“South Africa is always open for business with every economic sector and a wide range of opportunities awaiting international investors,” Landers told the economic seminar in Santiago at the weekend.

Landers was in Chile as part of his three-leg visit to South American countries to boost trade and bilateral relations. He also visited Uruguay and will conclude his visit in Columbia.

He told the seminar that over the years, representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) had visited Chile to explore opportunities for further expansion of South African exports to Chile and potential Chilean investments in South Africa.
A key highlight was the successful selling mission from South Africa to Chile during the second half of 2014.

“We have also created momentum for increased political consultations and economic consultations,” he said, touching on President Jacob Zuma’s planned visit to Chile.

South Africa is Chile's largest trading partner in Africa, while South Africa is the biggest investor in Chile's mining sector.
The biggest area of trade between South Africa and Chile is capital goods for mining.

The two countries have a Joint Trade and Investment Committee to address all trade-related matters.