Masina to lead delegation to Blue Economy conference
Ekurhuleni ANC mayoral candidate Mzwandile Masina. File picture: Rosetta Msimango Ekurhuleni ANC mayoral candidate Mzwandile Masina. File picture: Rosetta Msimango
Pretoria - South African deputy minister of trade and industry Mzwandile Masina will lead a South African delegation to the 2nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Ministerial Economic and Business Conference in Dubai, the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) said on Monday.
Masina and the delegation will attend the IORA conference taking place April 11-13 which is being held under the theme “SMEs and Innovation investing in a Sustainable and Inclusive Future”.
The conference seeks to connect companies with investors, and showcases innovation and to encourage entrepreneurship.
Trade and industry ministers from over 21 member states and dialogue partners, business representatives and other stakeholders are expected to attend the conference.
Masina said South Africa would prioritise the Blue (Ocean) Economy, as outlined in government’s Operation Phakisa initiative. “Our priority sectors within this programme are Marine Manufacturing and Marine Transport, Aquaculture, Oil and Gas Exploration, Marine Protection and Governance,” he said.
“Investment holds an important role in the process of economic development in a country and region.” Masina said. “It is estimated that the Blue Economy could contribute around R177 billion to GDP and create a million jobs by 2033.”
He also mentioned that Operation Phakisa provided “immense opportunities for economic growth, increased Foreign Direct Invest and job creation for the country and its trade partners, especially within the IORA region”.
He said he and his delegation would also engage with IORA members and dialogue partners about the role of SMEs, innovation and women empowerment.
Masine is further expected to attend the Annual Investor Meeting (AIM) which is hosted under the patronage of Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The AIM conference focuses on attracting Foreign Direct Investment, and South Africa’s investment agency, Invest South Africa, has been nominated for an investment award.
African News Agency