Mpumalanga Outbound Trade and Investment Promotion Mission delegates meets the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
05 October 2010
Paris, France – The delegation of the Mpumalanga Outbound Trade and
Investment Promotion Mission to France, led by Economic Development, Environment
and Tourism MEC, Mr Jabu Mahlangu, met the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de
Paris (Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry) in Paris, France yesterday. The
purpose of the meeting was primarily to pave the way for strategic alliance
between the business community of Paris, represented by the chamber, and that of
Mpumalanga. This is aimed at facilitating the formation of joint ventures,
skills development and transfer, and technology transfer between Mpumalanga and
the city of Paris. It is further intended to stimulate two-way trade between
Mpumalanga and France on the areas of fresh produce, minerals (coal) and raw
material such as steel and metal processing; and the chemical and resin
industry, which will result in more market access for both South Africans and
the French people.
As the leading and biggest chamber in France and Europe, the Paris
Chamber of Commerce (CCIP) represents the interests of 380,000 companies and
employs 4000 people who provide continuous service and advice to entrepreneurs.
Addressing the delegation, Ms Pascale Caux, a representative of the
Africa Desk International Development at the CCIP indicated that her
organisation is more than willing to form an alliance with the Mpumalanga Nafcoc
chapter. This gesture was warmly welcomed by MEC Mahlangu, who promised to
facilitate the interaction of the two chambers.
The CCIP is a public institution which was founded in 1803 by Napoleon
Bonaparte, and has been in existence for more than 200 years.
Accompanying MEC Mahlangu, were the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration, Mr Meshack Malinga; his Head of Department, Ms Nelisiwe Sithole; the dti’s Marketing Officer at the South African Embassy in Paris, Mr Mustapha Adam and Ms Pinkie Nqeto of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA).
The delegation will today, Tuesday, 06 October 2010, visit an
agricultural school, the Lycee Agricole at Saint Germain en Laye outside Paris,
for an agricultural study tour and also tour a farm in Brie Comte Robert. It
will later in the day meet the Melun Chamber of Agriculture. On Wednesday, 07
October 2010, the delegation will visit the Rungis International Market, which
is Europe’s biggest fresh produce market and logistics hub, also on a study
tour, to learn best practices since the province intends to establish one such
market and hub.
It is expected that twelve (12) Mpumalanga companies, including SMMEs, from various sectors will join the delegation in Madrid, Spain on Thursday, 08 October 2010 in order to explore markets for their businesses.
Issued by: Department of Agriculture Rural Development and Land Affairs, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
