This networking meeting took place on the eve of the historic All Blacks-Springbok game which is scheduled at Newlands Stadium on Saturday, 7 October 2017.
South African companies based in the Western Cape had an opportunity to engage with businessmen and women from New Zealand at the event, using the mutual love for rugby as a strong foundation for business-to-business engagement.
The brunch was hosted by His Excellency, Mr Mike Burrell, New Zealand High Commissioner to South Africa. Mr Burrell was joined by the Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Alderman Patricia De Lille, Wesgro CEO, Mr Tim Harris, and the Chairman of New Zealand Rugby, Mr Brent Impey.
High Commissioner Mike Burrell said that New Zealand’s bilateral relationship with South Africa was continuing to grow and diversify. “Companies from both countries are finding success in each other’s markets. This is building on a strong foundation of sporting and people-to-people connections”.
“The trade between South Africa and New Zealand is robust and innovative kiwi firms across software and technology is recognition of the city’s position as Africa’s information technology hub,” said Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille. “Cape Town is an opportunity city that welcomes investment as we work to enable inclusive economic growth and job creation.”
Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris expanded on strengthening the trade and investment relationship between South Africa and New Zealand. “Trade between New Zealand and the Western Cape has doubled since 2009, and is now at R700 million. This growth has also been matched by a booming tourism relationship, with some 16000 New Zealand arrivals recorded in 2016, an increase of 27%.”
Tim Harris added: “Our message to international investors in New Zealand is that if you’re serious about growing your business, you have to consider Africa as a future market. By 2050, there will be more than 2.4 billion consumers on the continent, the largest population block in the world. South Africa, with our institutional and infrastructural base, remains your best springboard into the continent. We encourage you to invest into Africa via Cape Town and the Western Cape.”
