International relations

SA, Equatorial Guinea eye more trade

8 February 2013

Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Elizabeth Thabethe is optimistic that South Africa and Equatorial Guinea have room for increased trade and investment.

Thabethe was speaking on her return to South Africa on Thursday following a four-day outward trade and investment mission to Equatorial Guinea, where she led a business delegation comprising representatives from 13 South African companies.

"In my short stay in Equatorial Guinea, I was mostly impressed by the multiple infrastructural development projects that they have undertaken," Thabethe said.

"I could determine from observing the state of their road infrastructure, the buildings and electricity network that this is a healthy economy with abundant opportunities."

During her trip, Thabethe held discussions with the country's minister of mines, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang, on possible collaboration in the sector.

The minister said Equatorial Guinea would be sending a delegation to South Africa to engage relevant industry stakeholders.

"I am confident that from the business-to-business interactions that took place during the mission, and the intelligence gathered from presentations and the site visits, [that] we are in a better position to achieve our goal of establishing new markets and increasing the flow of trade between the two countries."

Thabethe's visit was a follow-up to a state visit by Equatorial Guinea President Teodore Nguema Mbasogo to South Africa in 2011.

Source: SAnews.gov.za