The business forum will address amongst others trade, investment, economic development and industry related issues

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 20, 2017/APO Group/ -- 

The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) together with their Iranian counterparts will host the South Africa-Iran Business Forum at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) offices in Pretoria on Monday, 23 October 2017 from 9am. The forum will be held on the margins of the Joint Commission co-chaired by the Minister of DIRCO, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and her Iranian counterpart, Mr. Mohammad Javad Zarif.

According to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Rob Davies, the business forum will address amongst others trade, investment, economic development and industry related issues.

“The Middle East features as a pivotal trade and investment partner for South Africa and Iran in particular offers vast trade and investment opportunities for the South African businesses. Iran is the second largest economy in the Middle East region in terms of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) totalling US$438 billion in 2016 and the largest market in terms of population (80 million people). It ranks second in the world in terms of natural gas reserves and fourth in proven crude oil reserves,” says Davies.

Davies adds that the visit also affords South African firms an opportunity to network with key decision-makers from Iran, captivating on prospects and gains presented in both sides. He says the visit by Minister Zarif aims to build on the commitments made during the visit by President Jacob Zuma to Iran in 2016 and reinforcing discussions held by Senior Officials on 18 July 2017.

The Iranian delegation will consist of business representatives from the automotive, agriculture, agro-processing, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals and, oil and gas.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa.