Strengthening commercial ties with South Africa a Global Markets Action Plan priority
June 25, 2014 - Johannesburg, South Africa - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, wrapped up the three-day South African leg of his trade mission to Africa together with his 19-member delegation, by celebrating 20 years of the Trade Commissioner Service’s presence on the ground. During this first visit to Johannesburg and Cape Town, Minister Fast highlighted Canada’s commitment to deepening commercial ties with the announcement of a new EDC office and the relaunch of the Canada-South Africa Chamber of Business.
During a meeting with Rob Davies, South Africa’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister Fast discussed Canada’s interest in South Africa as a priority market for Canadian trade and investment. At the Renewable Energy and Mining Summit in Johannesburg, Minister Fast delivered remarks about Canadian companies’ expertise and suitability as partners in the extractives and energy sectors. Canada helps to foster and promote sustainable development and responsible business practices in countries where Canadian extractive companies operate.
Minister Fast also highlighted a donation by SkyPower Global, a member of his trade mission, of solar-powered lights to children in poorer neighbourhoods of South Africa to facilitate studies at night.
Minister Fast is on a 10-day, four-country trade mission to boost Canada’s trade and investment ties with Burkina Faso, Madagascar, South Africa and Tanzania.
Shannon Gutoskie
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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