DTIC To Host ''Partnering In Business With Germany' Event In Gauteng

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) will host "Partnering in Business with Germany" network event for two days - on Sept. 12 and 13 - at the Southern Sun Sandton in Gauteng.

South Africa's trade and investment connections with Germany will be highlighted during this event, which will be held in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

"The global program is designed to promote trade and investment linkages between Germany and South Africa," the DTIC said, SA News reported.

Deputy Director-General for Exports at DTIC Lerato Mataboge explained that the program aims to help small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), noting that it will help new exporters to build successful business relationships with Germany.

Mataboge noted that the goal is to secure export orders and investments, adding that the program helps companies become more resilient by diversifying their markets and supports those with little experience in international markets to expand globally.

She added that the "Partnering in Business with Germany" program focuses on teaching the skills needed for international business and preparing companies to work with German businesses. The program also helps reduce risks and costs for German companies looking to enter new markets.

Mataboge explained that the program prepares participants to enter the German market and connects them with German companies interested in partnering with South Africa.

As part of the successful collaboration between the two ministries, an alumni networking event is held each year. The first event took place in Cape Town in 2023 and was attended by 60 past beneficiaries of the program.

The partnership with the German Ministry has led to 234 South African companies traveling to Germany to learn about German business culture and meet potential export partners.

In April, the DTIC and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change signed an agreement to formalize a program that trains and mentors emerging South African exporters to enter the German market.

Last year, DTIC said chemicals, cosmetics, plastics and pharmaceutical sectors would benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).