The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies will proceed from Switzerland, where he attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, to the United Kingdom for a two-day visit which will take place from 23-24 January 2017. 
 

“The visit is intended to engage the UK government on Brexit transaction, showcase opportunities for investment in some of South Africa’s priority sectors, including Business Process Services (BPS) and renewable energy, as well as to engage those importing agricultural produce from South Africa,” says Minister Davies.
 
He adds that the trip will also encompass some investment aftercare as well as engagement with companies still considering investment in South Africa. 
 
Minister Davies’ schedule will begin with a session attended by a number of Africa analysts from investment banks and consulting firms based in London. The session, will be hosted by the Royal Institute for International Affairs or Chatham House.
 
“The session will provide us with an opportunity to engage in a discussion with those forming in-house strategies on engaging Africa. It will assist with reinforcing the message that South Africa is open for business and engaging actively on the continent to enhance prosperity for all,” says Davies.
 
The session also touches on South Africa’s economic outlook which will cover SA’s own ambitions to diversify its trade relationships, the dti‘s role in promoting the African agenda and strengthening intra-African trade and SA-UK trade relations in the context of changing trade priorities post Brexit.
 
Minister Davies will also attend a BPS luncheon with industry players where he will engage players in the BPS community after SA was named Outsourcing Destination of the Year at the 2016 Global Sourcing Association Awards. This will be followed by a multi-sectoral dinner for discussion on South Africa’s view of the WEF and what it foresees for the coming year. Minister Davies will deliver a speech on the SA’s key drivers of economic growth, as well as emphasise on available investment and trade opportunities.
 
He will also attend a financial services breakfast, Africa All Party Parliamentary Group, renewable energy investor luncheon and a roundtable on agriculture with UK importers and buyers before concluding his visit with a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, UK’s Secretary for International Trade, Mr Liam Fox.