Germany has again committed its support to South Africa in growing the economy. Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, The Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Federal Republic of Germany was speaking at the South Africa-German Business Conference held as part of the 8th session of the South Africa-Germany Bi-National Commission in Sandton.

According to Dr Steinmeier the bilateral cooperation between the two countries has grown over the years and still many German businesses were interested in establishing themselves in this country and in partnering with South African businesses.

Dr Steinmeier says, “This visit is part of our review of the foreign policy and the refreshing of our relations with South Africa. The National Development Plan (NDP) developed by this country provides an excellent analysis and the implementation thereof can move this country forward.”

Adding that establishing the Ministry of Small Business Development would be beneficial to the country because it was the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that would make a meaningful contribution to the economy. He added that most of the members of the delegation accompanying him were SMMEs from Germany and were keen to participate in the economy.

The MEC for Economic, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development in Gauteng, Lebogang Maile said Germany was a significant trade partner to South Africa and that the country appreciated the role played by the German SMMEs in the South African economy. He highlighted that more cooperation was needed in areas like manufacturing and mineral beneficiation.

Maile stated, “We want to modernise our economy and need the resources and ideas that German companies possess.”
Adding that intra-Africa trade was encouraged by South Africa and this was driven by the quest for Africa’s revolution of industrialisation.